Ampicillin for Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Ampicillin is dosed at 50 mg/kg IM q 12 h in russian tortoises, per Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles. Ampicillin (Antibiotic) has cited veterinary dosing for russian tortoises. Routes documented in russian tortoises: IM. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ampicillin in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Polyflex
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 50 mg/kg | q 12 h | — | Weak | Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your russian tortoise'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 russian tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Ampicillin for Russian Tortoises?
Ampicillin dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM 50 mg/kg q 12 h.
How is Ampicillin administered in Russian Tortoises?
Documented routes for Ampicillin in russian tortoises: IM.
What are the side effects of Ampicillin in Russian Tortoises?
These are general warnings for Ampicillin across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams. IM injection may be painful.
Other Antibiotic drugs with russian tortoise 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 russian tortoises — 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.