Ampicillin trihydrate is a member of the extended spectrum β-lactam family and similar in structure to penicillin. Ampicillin resistance is frequently due to secretion of plasmid encoded ESBLs.

TOKU-E offers five forms of ampicillin:

• Ampicillin/sulbactam (2:1) (A071)
• Ampicillin anhydrous (A043)
• Ampicillin sodium (A042)
• Ampicillin, USP (A009)
• Ampicillin trihydrate, EP (A020)

In aqueous solution, ampicillin sodium is freely soluble (50 mg/mL). Ampicillin trihydrate is slightly soluble in water (10 mg/mL) and freely soluble in 1 N HCl (50 mg/mL). Ampicillin anhydrous is sparingly soluble in water and freely soluble in 1 N NH4OH (50 mg/mL). Ampicillin sodium is commonly used to select for successfully transformed bacteria. Ampicillin anhydrous (powder) is the most stable and pure form of ampicillin TOKU-E offers.

CAS Number

7177-48-2

Molecular Formula

C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₄S·3H₂O

Molecular Weight

403.44

Mechanism of Action

Like all β-lactams, ampicillin trihydrate interferes with PBP (penicillin binding protein) activity otherwise involved in the final phase of peptidoglycan synthesis. PBP’s are enzymes which catalyze a pentaglycine crosslink between alanine and lysine residues. Without a pentaglycine crosslink, the integrity of the cell wall is severely compromised ultimately leading to cell lysis.

Storage Conditions

≤30°C

Tariff Code

2941.10.1000

Spectrum

Ampicillin trihydrate, EP targets non-ESBL (Extended Spectrum β-lactamase) bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species and medically important enteric pathogens such as Shigella and Salmonella. Interestingly, ampicillin has been found to be effective against certain β-lactam sensitive VRE or vancomycin resistant Enterococcus; a glycopeptide antibiotic resistant "superbug." Resistance to ampicillin is routinely utilized as a selectable marker to confirm successful cell transformation.

Specifications: