What it means
A broad-spectrum penicillin (an aminopenicillin) that kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls. It is used for some urinary, respiratory and gut infections, meningitis, and, with gentamicin, for infections in newborns; it is also one option to prevent group B strep infection in a baby during labor. Combined with sulbactam it is sold as Unasyn. A rash is common, and like any penicillin it can cause a severe allergic reaction.
For the nurse
Ask about any penicillin allergy before the first dose and watch the client closely for at least the first 15 to 30 minutes of a first IV dose. Teach the client to report hives, wheezing or swelling at once, and to report severe or bloody diarrhea.
At a glance
| Drug class | penicillin antibiotic (aminopenicillin) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | ampicilina |
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.