Using shorter courses of ampicillin to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in preterm infants

Short-course ampicillin in preterm neonates to promote antimicrobial stewardship

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11051363

This study is looking at whether giving preterm babies a shorter 24-hour course of ampicillin can still treat infections effectively while reducing their exposure to antibiotics, which can sometimes cause health problems.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11051363 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of a shorter course of ampicillin in preterm infants to minimize unnecessary antibiotic exposure, which can lead to serious health issues. The study aims to determine if a 24-hour course of ampicillin can effectively provide the necessary therapeutic levels for 48 hours, ensuring safety and efficacy. By employing population pharmacokinetic modeling and conducting a pilot clinical trial, the research seeks to confirm that this approach can safely reduce antibiotic use while still treating infections effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who require antibiotic treatment for infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or do not require antibiotic treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risks associated with excessive antibiotic use in preterm infants, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in optimizing antibiotic use in pediatric populations, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in neonatal care.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Abdominal Infection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.