Bacampicillin

Bacampicillin Structural Formula

Bacampicillin (INN) is a penicillin antibiotic. It serves as a prodrug designed to improve the oral bioavailability of ampicillin.

History and Development

Bacampicillin was developed to enhance the absorption of ampicillin in the body. As a prodrug, bacampicillin is metabolized in the body to produce ampicillin, thereby allowing for greater concentrations of the antibiotic in the bloodstream when taken orally.

Brand Names and Availability

Bacampicillin is marketed under the following brand names:

• Spectrobid – Manufactured by Pfizer
• Penglobe – Produced by AstraZeneca

Despite its usage in various regions, bacampicillin is not available in the United States.

Mechanism of Action

Like ampicillin, bacampicillin functions by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the death of susceptible bacteria. The primary advantage of bacampicillin over ampicillin is its improved bioavailability when taken orally, ensuring more consistent therapeutic levels in the body.

Indications

Bacampicillin is prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections, especially those caused by penicillin-sensitive organisms. Its efficacy and indications largely align with those of ampicillin due to its conversion to ampicillin in vivo.

Side Effects and Precautions

Patients using bacampicillin may experience side effects common to penicillin antibiotics, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and skin rashes. It is essential to avoid use in patients with known penicillin allergies.

References

• Johnson, L.R. (2015). Antibiotics and Their Applications. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, A. & Green, B. (2013). Modern Developments in Antibacterial Therapy. Elsevier.

Penicillin antibiotics

• penicillins first generation (natural penicillins)
  • benzathine penicillin, procaine penicillin, penicillin g, penicillin v, penicillin vk

• penicillins second generation (penicillinase-resistant penicillins)
  • cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin

• penicillins third generation (aminopenicillins)
  • amoxicillin, ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam, bacampicillin, pivampicillin
• see also amoxicillin-clavulanate

• penicillins fourth generation (extended-spectrum penicillins)
  • carbenicillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, ticarcillin, ticarcillin-clavulanate

• Dailymed label info on Bacampicillin
• FDA Bacampicillin