The Basics
What is Ampicillin?
Prescription penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E. coli or salmonella infection
Brand names for Ampicillin
Ampi, Omnipen, Penglobe, And Principen
How Ampicillin is classified
Antibacterial Agents, Anti-Infective Agents, Penicillins
Ampicillin During Pregnancy
Ampicillin pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ampicillin while pregnant
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Taking Ampicillin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ampicillin?
Substantial information indicates that ampicillin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ampicillin is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Substantial information indicates that ampicillin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ampicillin is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Ampicillin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ampicillin
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Lohmeyer H, Halfpap E. [Pharmacokinetic studies and clinical experiences with ampicillin during treatment of infections of the urogenital tract of the female]. Z Geburtshilfe Gynakol. 1965;164:184-202. PMID: 5887161
2. Pons G, Rey E. [Passage of antibiotics in breast milk]. Med Mal Infect. 1994;24 (Special Issue 1):1088-106. DOI: doi:10.1016/S0399-077X(05)80220-3
3. Foulds G, Miller RD, Stankewich JP et al. The pharmacokinetics of subactam and ampicillin in postpartum women. In: Spitzy KH, Karrer K, eds. Proc 13th Int Congress Chemother. 1983;1:23-17-23/22.
4. Amiraslanova LA, Emel’ianova AI, Fursova SA, Rukhadze TG. [Various characteristics of the pharmacokinetics of ampicillin, kanamycin and cefuroxime in puerperants with endometritis]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk). 1985;Oct; (10):14-7. PMID: 2934996
5. Peiker G, Schroder S. [The concentration of oxacillin and ampicillin (Penstabil) in mother’s milk in puerperal mastitis.] Untersuchungen zur konzentration von oxacillin und ampicillin (Penstabil) in serum und muttermilch bei der mastitis puerperalis. Pharmazie. 1986;41(11):793-5. PMID: 3562514
6. Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Xu Z. [Tissue and body fluid distribution of antibacterial agents in pregnant and lactating women]. Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi. 1997;32(5):288-92. PMID: 9596854
7. Williams M. Excretion of drugs in milk. Pharm J. 1976;217:219. Letter.
8. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M et al. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
9. Campbell AC, McElnay JC, Passmore CM. The excretion of ampicillin in breast milk and its effect on the suckling infant. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991;31:230p. Abstract. PMC: PMC1368401
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
