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Amoxicillin, a new penicillin antibiotic
Abstract:
Amoxicillin (alpha-amino-p-hydroxybenzyl penicillin, BRL 2333) is a new semisynthetic penicillin which is structurally similar to ampicillin, but which is better absorbed and yields higher concentrations in serum and urine. The in vitro susceptibility of 145 strains of Enterobacteriaceae and 30 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined against various concentrations of amoxicillin and ampicillin in agar. In addition, inhibitory zones around discs containing 10 mug of amoxicillin were measured and compared with results of agar dilution studies. The drug also was evaluated in the treatment of 38 patients with bacteriuria, who received doses of either 750 mg or 1 g/day for 10 days. In vitro, amoxicillin was comparable in activity to ampicillin; most isolates of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis were inhibited by 10 mug or less/ml, whereas the majority of strains of Enterobacter, Klebsiella, indole-positive Proteus species, and Pseudomonas grew in concentrations greater than 50 mug/ml. Clinically, amoxicillin was effective in eradicating bacteriuria due to susceptible organisms and was very well tolerated. For practical purposes, however, amoxicillin performed no better than a host of other drugs presently available for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated bacteriuria.
Insights
Amoxicillin, a new penicillin, shows effectiveness in treating bacteriuria, similar to ampicillin. While well-tolerated and absorbed, it offers no significant advantage over existing treatments for uncomplicated cases.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Amoxicillin is a novel semisynthetic penicillin.
- It exhibits structural similarity to ampicillin.
- Amoxicillin demonstrates improved absorption and higher serum/urine concentrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro activity of amoxicillin against Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To assess the clinical efficacy of amoxicillin in treating bacteriuria.
- To compare amoxicillin's performance with ampicillin and other available treatments.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing using agar dilution and disc diffusion assays.
- Clinical trial involving 38 patients with bacteriuria treated with amoxicillin.
- Dosage regimens included 750 mg or 1 g daily for 10 days.
Main Results:
- In vitro, amoxicillin demonstrated comparable activity to ampicillin against most tested bacteria.
- Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis were susceptible to low concentrations of amoxicillin.
- Amoxicillin effectively eradicated bacteriuria in patients and was well-tolerated.
Conclusions:
- Amoxicillin is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for bacteriuria caused by susceptible microorganisms.
- Despite favorable absorption and tolerance, amoxicillin does not offer superior clinical benefits over existing therapies for acute, uncomplicated bacteriuria.