Overview
Sodium Ampicillin is a sodium salt form of ampicillin, a semi-synthetic penicillin antibiotic. It belongs to the aminopenicillin class and is derived from the penicillin nucleus, 6-aminopenicillanic acid. This compound was developed to improve the water solubility of ampicillin, making it suitable for injectable formulations. As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, Sodium Ampicillin is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death. The sodium salt form is particularly important for pharmaceutical applications where solubility is critical.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Sodium Ampicillin appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with good stability under proper storage conditions. The compound is freely soluble in water, which distinguishes it from the parent ampicillin compound that has limited water solubility. This property makes it ideal for preparing sterile injectable solutions. The molecular structure includes a beta-lactam ring, which is essential for its antibacterial activity. The compound is sensitive to beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some resistant bacteria. It has a molecular weight of 371.39 g/mol and typically decomposes rather than melts when heated.
Main Applications
The primary use of Sodium Ampicillin is in the treatment of various bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, and gastrointestinal infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is commonly formulated as injectable solutions for hospital use. In addition to human medicine, Sodium Ampicillin finds applications in veterinary medicine for treating bacterial infections in animals. The pharmaceutical industry uses it as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in various drug formulations, particularly where water solubility is required for parenteral administration.
Safety and Storage
Sodium Ampicillin should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and safety glasses. As with all beta-lactam antibiotics, there is risk of allergic reactions, including potentially severe hypersensitivity in sensitive individuals. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining stability. The compound should be kept in tightly sealed containers at controlled temperatures between 2-8°C, protected from light and moisture. Solutions prepared from the powder should be used immediately or stored under refrigeration for no more than 24 hours to maintain potency.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring Sodium Ampicillin in bulk for pharmaceutical manufacturing or research purposes, buyers should verify the CAS number (69-52-3) to ensure they are obtaining the correct compound. Purity specifications should meet pharmacopeial standards (typically ≥98% for pharmaceutical use). Quality certifications such as GMP compliance and analytical certificates should be requested from suppliers. Due to regulatory requirements in different markets, buyers should confirm that the product meets the standards of their target market (e.g., USP, EP, or JP standards). Lead times may vary depending on order quantity and supplier location.