Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BACTOCILL versus POLYCILLIN N.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BACTOCILL versus POLYCILLIN N.
BACTOCILL vs POLYCILLIN-N
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
BACTOCILL (nafcillin) is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thereby inhibiting transpeptidation and autolysin inhibitors. Active against Staphylococcus aureus and other gram-positive bacteria.
Ampicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), disrupting peptidoglycan cross-linking, and activating autolytic enzymes. It is bactericidal against susceptible organisms.
250-500 mg orally every 6 hours or 1-2 g intravenously every 4-6 hours
1-2 g IV/IM every 4-6 hours
None Documented
None Documented
0.5-0.8 hours; prolonged to 2-4 hours in severe renal impairment
Terminal elimination half-life: 0.5-1 hour (normal renal function); increases to 7-10 hours in anuria. Prolonged in neonates (2-4 hours).
Renal: 60-70% unchanged; biliary: 20-30% as active metabolite; fecal: 5-10%
Renal: 60-80% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Biliary: ~20% excreted in bile and feces. Small amount metabolized to penicilloic acid.
Category C
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic