Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: POLYCILLIN N versus STAPHCILLIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: POLYCILLIN N versus STAPHCILLIN.
POLYCILLIN-N vs STAPHCILLIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
Semisynthetic penicillin; inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting transpeptidation, and activating autolytic enzymes.
1-2 g IV/IM every 4-6 hours
1-2 g IV every 4-6 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 0.5-1 hour (normal renal function); increases to 7-10 hours in anuria. Prolonged in neonates (2-4 hours).
0.5-1 hour in adults with normal renal function; prolonged to 2-4 hours in renal impairment. Infants: 1-2 hours.
Renal: 60-80% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Biliary: ~20% excreted in bile and feces. Small amount metabolized to penicilloic acid.
Primarily renal (70-90% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); minor biliary excretion (<5%) and fecal elimination (<1%).
Category C
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic