What category do ampicillin and amoxicillin belong to?

Ampicillin and amoxicillin are classified as broad-spectrum penicillins because they have a wider range of activity compared to narrow-spectrum penicillins. This means they are effective against a greater variety of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria.

The broad-spectrum properties of ampicillin and amoxicillin stem from their ability to inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, which is a common mechanism among penicillins, while also being designed to penetrate the outer membrane of certain Gram-negative organisms. This feature allows them to combat infections that may not respond to narrow-spectrum penicillins, which generally target specific bacterial strains.

In clinical practice, these antibiotics are often used to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and other infections caused by sensitive organisms, making their broad spectrum of activity crucial for effective treatment.