Understanding Ampicillin and Cephalosporins Ampicillin and cephalosporins are two different classes of antibiotics, each with unique chemical structures and mechanisms of action. While both are used to treat bacterial infections, they differ in several ways that are important for medical professionals and patients to understand. Ampicillin: A Penicillin-class Antibiotic Ampicillin is a member of the penicillin class of antibiotics. It works by disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which is crucial for the bacteria’s survival. Since the discovery of penicillins, they have been an essential part of antibiotic therapy, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against a variety of Gram-positive bacteria... Learn more