From the FDA Drug Label
Beta-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains must be considered resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. The FDA drug label does not directly answer the question of whether ampicillin sensitivity translates to augmentin sensitivity. However, it does provide information on the interpretation of susceptibility test results for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.
- Key Point: The label states that beta-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains must be considered resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, but it does not provide direct information on the correlation between ampicillin sensitivity and augmentin sensitivity. Based on the available information, no conclusion can be drawn about the relationship between ampicillin sensitivity and augmentin sensitivity 1.
From the Research
Ampicillin sensitivity generally translates to Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) sensitivity in most cases. Augmentin contains amoxicillin, which is closely related to ampicillin, plus clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. If a bacterial isolate is sensitive to ampicillin, it will typically also be sensitive to Augmentin because both share the same core beta-lactam structure. The addition of clavulanic acid in Augmentin actually broadens its spectrum by protecting the amoxicillin component from degradation by certain bacterial enzymes called beta-lactamases. However, there are rare exceptions where bacteria might have specific resistance mechanisms that affect one drug but not the other.
In clinical practice, laboratories often test ampicillin as a surrogate for amoxicillin sensitivity, and if ampicillin sensitivity is demonstrated, both amoxicillin alone and Augmentin would be considered effective treatment options. The choice between them would depend on the suspected presence of beta-lactamase producing organisms and the specific infection being treated. According to a study published in 2016 2, β-lactams are the most widely used class of antibiotics, and the development of novel broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitors has been crucial in addressing resistance mechanisms.
Some key points to consider:
- The mechanism of action of ampicillin and Augmentin is similar, with the addition of clavulanic acid in Augmentin providing protection against beta-lactamase degradation 3.
- The effectiveness of amoxicillin-clavulanate against various bacterial infections has been demonstrated in several studies, including those published in 1990 4 and 2007 5.
- However, there may be cases where ampicillin sensitivity does not translate to Augmentin sensitivity, such as in the presence of specific resistance mechanisms 6.
- The choice of treatment should be based on the suspected presence of beta-lactamase producing organisms and the specific infection being treated.
Overall, ampicillin sensitivity can be used as a surrogate for amoxicillin sensitivity, and Augmentin can be considered an effective treatment option in most cases. However, it is essential to consider the specific infection being treated and the potential presence of resistance mechanisms.