Page "Ampicillin" Paragraph 8

Ampicillin has been used extensively to treat bacterial infections since 1961.

Until the introduction of ampicillin by the British company Beecham, penicillin therapies had only been effective against Gram-positive organisms such as staphylococci and streptococci.

Ampicillin ( originally branded as ' Penbritin ') also demonstrated activity against Gram-negative organisms such as H. influenzae, coliforms and Proteus spp.

Ampicillin was the first of a number of so-called broad spectrum penicillins subsequently introduced by Beecham.