Kinetics of drug decomposition. Part 61. Kinetics of various ampicillin forms degradation in solid phase.

Ampicillin sodium salt degradation in solid state relies on a sequential reaction consisting of three pseudo first-order processes. The above salt is much more susceptible to degradation than acidic forms of ampicillin. The anhydrous acidic form of ampicillin is very stable in solid phase. Therefore, it can be recomended to be formulated in peroral ampicillin pharmaceutical preparations. Ampicillin trihydrate, now used in pharmaceutical formulations, is less stable than the last mentioned compound. It degrades according to Prout-Tompkins' model.