Abstract

Udobi Chinweizu Ejikeme* and Onaolapo Josiah Ademola

51 different samples from 5 different manufacturers of ampicillin and ampicillin/cloxacillin suspensions were tested for their levels of active components of ampicillin using the microbiological assay method. Bacillus megathariumNCTC10342A76 was selected from amongst a wide range of organisms screened for this purpose because of its detected suitability. Thin layer chromatography and infra red spectrophotometric analysis confirmed the presence of ampicillin in all the samples and the results obtained showed that the percentage ampicillin content ranged from 57 - 162. Products of MAN-A07 had ampicillin levels less than that recommended by the reference books while one batch from MAN A06 had ampicillin levels higher than the recommended levels. This work is discussed in the context of the proliferation and misuse of ampicillin especially for children.