Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: POLYCILLIN N versus UNIPEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: POLYCILLIN N versus UNIPEN.
POLYCILLIN-N vs UNIPEN
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.
Unipen (nafcillin) is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), blocking transpeptidation and autolysin inhibition.
1-2 g IV/IM every 4-6 hours
500 mg to 2 g orally or intravenously every 4 to 6 hours; maximum 12 g/day IV for serious infections.
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 normal renal function; prolonged to 7-10 hours in anuria or severe renal impairment.
Renal: 60-80% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Biliary: ~20% excreted in bile and feces. Small amount metabolized to penicilloic acid.
Renal: 70-90% unchanged via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration; biliary: minor (<10%); fecal: minimal.
Category C
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic