Are ampicillin sodium and ampicillin the same thing?
Ampicillin sodium and ampicillin are different drugs. Although their names are similar, they differ in chemical structure and pharmacological effects.
Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Ampicillin sodium is the sodium salt form of ampicillin and is also a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory, urinary, and skin or soft tissue infections.
Although both ampicillin and ampicillin sodium belong to the penicillin class of antibiotics, they differ in chemical structure and pharmacological properties. Therefore, the appropriate drug should be selected according to medical advice, and a penicillin skin test should be performed before administration. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately and take appropriate measures.