Ampicillin
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 9 |
Table of Contents
Ampicillin: Laryngitis
One-Sentence Summary
Ampicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that acts against susceptible bacteria. The TxGNN model predicts it may be useful for laryngitis, but no study in the data compiled for this report tests ampicillin in laryngitis itself, and the evidence level is L5 (model prediction only). No clinical trials are registered, and the retrieved publications are case reports, historical reviews and studies of related conditions.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Not recorded in the local data |
| Predicted New Indication | Laryngitis |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 0.9997 |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Canada Market Status | Marketed (marketed DINs: 17 of 17) |
| Number of DINs | 17 (marketed: 17) |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Detailed mechanism of action data is not available in the data compiled for this report. In general, ampicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic with activity against organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae and streptococci.
These organisms can cause bacterial infections of the larynx and epiglottis, so an antibacterial link is plausible. However, the link is limited. Most laryngitis and croup cases are viral and do not respond to ampicillin. The retrieved literature addresses neighbouring conditions (acute epiglottitis, laryngeal abscess, deep neck infection) rather than laryngitis treated with ampicillin. The high model score should therefore be read as a hypothesis, not as proof of benefit.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
None of the publications below tests ampicillin in laryngitis. They are listed as the closest related material.
| PMID | Year | Type | Journal | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3026014 | 1986 | Clinical report | Reviews of Infectious Diseases | Sulbactam/ampicillin in children with acute epiglottitis, where some H. influenzae type b strains are ampicillin-resistant |
| 3290661 | 1988 | Case series | Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde | Ampicillin resistance in H. influenzae type b changed treatment of childhood epiglottitis |
| 6881564 | 1983 | Case series | Anesthesia and Analgesia | Children with epiglottitis treated with ampicillin or chloramphenicol; duration of intubation reviewed |
| 3977063 | 1985 | Review | Anaesthesia and Intensive Care | 161 children with acute epiglottitis; airway management and complications |
| 3322611 | 1987 | Case series | Clinical Otolaryngology | Bacteriology and treatment of adult epiglottitis |
| 35923122 | 2023 | Case report/Review | Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol | Spontaneous laryngeal abscess: case and review |
| 7487676 | 1995 | Animal study | Auris Nasus Larynx | Ibuprofen plus ampicillin in experimental otitis media in chinchillas |
| 41536375 | 2025 | Case report | Cureus | Reconsidering the diagnosis of croup when presentation is atypical |
Canada Market Information
| DIN | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02530481 | Ampicillin Sodium for Injection BP | Not stated | Not stated |
| 01933345 | Ampicillin Sodium for Injection, USP | Not stated | Not stated |
| 02462338 | Ampicillin Sodium for Injection BP | Not stated | Not stated |
| 00020877 | Teva-Ampicillin | Not stated | Not stated |
| 02227002 | Ampicillin for Injection, USP | Not stated | Not stated |
All 17 licences recorded for ampicillin are valid single-ingredient products; the five above are a selection.
Safety Considerations
Package insert warnings and contraindications are not available in the data compiled for this report; please refer to the package insert.
- Drug Interactions: 61 interactions were identified. Moderate-level interactions include doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, kanamycin, balsalazide, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole and picosulfuric acid. Clarithromycin is minor.
- Conditions of concern (from drug-disease contraindication records, not label text): kidney disease and impaired renal function, hematologic disease, peptic ulcer disease, Clostridium difficile colitis, infectious mononucleosis, chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection syndrome, and acute urate nephropathy.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The evidence level is L5. No study tests ampicillin in laryngitis, and most laryngitis is viral, so an antibiotic is unlikely to help. The score alone does not justify moving forward.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Studies that directly test ampicillin in bacterial laryngitis or laryngeal infection
- Mechanism of action data
- Health Canada package insert warnings and contraindications
- Indication text for the Canadian licences
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.