Ampicillin for Dog
Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Ampicillin is used in dog for Surgical prophylaxis, bacteremia, Susceptible bacterial infections. Routes documented in dog: IV, PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Ampicillin in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Polyflex
Dose ranges
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. Broader spectrum than penicillin G with gram-negative coverage.
Side effects & warnings
CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams. IM injection may be painful.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Antibiotic drugs with dog dosing
Ampicillin dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Ampicillin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.