Clinical medicine profile
Ticarcillin
Beta-lactam antibiotic — penicillin
- Route
- ORAL / PARENTERAL (agent-dependent)
- Schedule
- POM
- ATC
- Not assigned
- PPB status
- registered
This profile needs source confirmation
A traceable source link is not attached to this profile. Confirm prescribing decisions against the current SmPC and Kenya STG/EML.
Safety essentials
The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.
Contraindications
- History of serious immediate hypersensitivity (e.g. anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria) to any penicillin.
- Caution with prior severe cephalosporin reaction (cross-reactivity risk).
- Avoid in infectious mononucleosis if using aminopenicillins (rash risk).
Precautions
- Obtain allergy history before first dose.
- Monitor for superinfection with prolonged use.
- High doses may cause neurotoxicity in renal failure.
- Adjust for CrCl.
- Counsel patients to complete the prescribed course and seek care for severe rash or breathing difficulty.
Dosing matrix
Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.
Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.
Paediatric dosing is weight- and age-based; use a paediatric formulary / SmPC. Do not extrapolate adult tablets without calculation.
Renal excretion dominant — reduce dose or extend interval in significant renal impairment; risk of accumulation and seizures at high levels.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Low intrinsic hepatotoxicity; cholestatic hepatitis rare (notably flucloxacillin/co-amoxiclav patterns for related agents).
Use, effects & interactions
Indications
- Therapeutic use is agent- and indication-specific within the class (Beta-lactam antibiotic — penicillin).
- Use according to culture results, national guidelines (Kenya STG/EML where applicable) and the current product SmPC.
Adverse effects
- Common: gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, mild rash.
- Serious: anaphylaxis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome / TEN (rare), antibiotic-associated colitis (including C. difficile), interstitial nephritis, haematological reactions with prolonged high dose.
Drug interactions
Open multi-drug checker ↗- For professionals: select agent by suspected pathogen and local resistance.
- Natural penicillins remain first-line for many streptococcal infections when susceptibility expected.
- Do not use penicillin alone for beta-lactamase-producing staphylococci.
- Document allergy phenotype (immediate vs delayed).
- De-escalate once cultures allow.
Mechanism & disposition
Penicillins bind penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, weakening the bacterial cell wall.
Read complete mechanism
Penicillins bind penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, weakening the bacterial cell wall. Osmotic lysis follows; activity is bactericidal against susceptible organisms in the growth phase. Spectrum and beta-lactamase stability vary by agent (narrow natural penicillins vs aminopenicillins vs antipseudomonal/anti-staphylococcal agents).
Within 1 hour (oral); faster IV
4–8 hours typical (agent/formulation dependent)
ORAL / PARENTERAL (agent-dependent)
is predominantly renal (glomerular filtration and tubular secretion). Dose adjustment is often required in severe renal impairment. Probenecid reduces tubular secretion and prolongs levels.
differ by agent and salt/ester. Most penicillins distribute widely into extracellular fluid; CSF penetration is poor unless meninges are inflamed.
Pregnancy, lactation & diet
Penicillins are generally considered compatible in pregnancy when clearly indicated (decades of clinical use). Prefer agents with the best safety record for the indication; confirm current SmPC.
Usually compatible with breastfeeding; small amounts excreted in milk. Monitor infant for diarrhoea, thrush or rash.
Brands & loaded prices
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | Observed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| No reviewed brand listings are linked yet. | |||
Sources & review state
Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.