MED OF THE DAY: Ampicillin (Principen)

NURSING.com Podcast — NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students · Sep 28, 2026 · 3m

Welcome to Med of the Day — new episodes drop every Monday. It's Med Monday!

In this episode: Ampicillin (Principen) — a broad-spectrum aminopenicillin that is bactericidal, binding the bacterial cell wall. Used for skin, soft-tissue, respiratory, GU, and sinus infections, otitis media, meningitis, and septicemia. The must-knows: penicillin allergy is a contraindication — assess every time; use caution with renal insufficiency; watch for seizures, anaphylaxis, and superinfection like C. diff; avoid with oral contraceptives; monitor liver function tests; and tell patients to finish the full…