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Writer's pictureAditi Majrekar

AMPICILLIN


ampicillin bacteria


Category: Antibacterial


Introduction:


Ampicillin is a drug used to treat certain bacterial infections. It is a semi-synthetic penicillin derivative. Ampicillin was developed to solve the problem of drug resistance and extend the antibacterial spectrum of penicillin. Oral administration is also possible due to its acid resistance. Ampicillin is used to treat upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, and middle ear infections.

Uses:

ampicillin uses

How To Consume:


Take ampicillin as directed by your doctor. The dosage form and amount of the drug may vary for each infection. (referring to storage conditions). Take ampicillin on an empty stomach. That is, he should be taken 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after. Taking ampicillin after meals reduces its effectiveness. When taking, drink a full glass of water.


Duration Between Two Dose:


Follow all directions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or directions for use. Ampicillin is available as a capsule and as a suspension (liquid) to be taken orally. In general, take 3 to 4 times a day, every 6 hours, as prescribed by your doctor.


Side Effects:


Some common side effects can be seen after taking Ampicillin. Symptoms Include:

  • Pain at IM/IV injection site

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Stomach Pain

  • Rash

  • Swollen, Back, or Hairy Tongue

ampicillin

Drug Mechanism:


The mechanism of action of beta-lactam antibiotics against susceptible microorganisms can be viewed as a two-step process. The antibiotic first attaches to a main receptor known as a membrane-bound penicillin-binding protein in the first step (PBP).It is important to understand that ampicillin is bactericidal primarily against susceptible bacteria because it inhibits cell wall synthesis. Ampicillin injection spreads easily in body tissues and fluids. Ampicillin shows low plasma protein binding (20%) compared to 60-90% for other penicillins. Inflammation in meningitis improves penetration of the blood-brain barrier to achieve adequate CSF concentrations. Ampicillin is nearly unchanged when eliminated in the urine, and co-administration with probenecid may prolong excretion.


Safety Measures:


ampicillin safety measures

ampicillin safety measures

When to See Doctor:

  • Pain at IM/IV injection site

  • Rashes and urticaria

  • Seizures

  • Headache

  • Hemolytic anemia

  • Immune thrombocytopenia

  • Diarrhea

  • Skin rash

  • Nausea and Vomiting

  • Urticaria

  • Cholestatic jaundice

  • Hepatitis (viral infection of the liver)

  • Mouth or vaginal redness and itching (thrush)

ampicillin side effects

If conditions from this occur you should see the doctor or it can be hazardous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.


Allergic Reaction:


This drug can cause severe allergic reactions. Symptoms include:

  • Hives

  • Anaphylaxis (Whole Body Reaction)

  • Enterocolitis (Small Intestine Inflammation)

  • Swollen face or mouth

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Blisters that could lead to skin breakdown


Get urgent medical assistance if you experience these symptoms. Do not take this medicine again if you have had an allergic reaction. Taking it again can be fatal.


Available Dosage Form:

Form:

1. Capsule

Strengths: 250mg, 500mg

2. Suspension

Strengths: 125 mg/ 5 ml, 125 mg/ 5 ml

3. Injections

Strengths: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g, 10 g


ampicillin medicines

Child Dosage

Generally:

• 50-100 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses every 4-6 hours, not more than 12 g per day.

• 400 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 6 hours.

Weigh 20 kg or less

For genitourinary, urinary tract, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, the dose is 100 mg/kg daily in four spaced doses; for gonorrhea, 3.5 grams as a single dose.


Weigh more than 20 kg

500 mg are to be taken four times day.


0 to 17 years old Weight 20kg or less

The dosage is 50 mg/kg three to four times a day in evenly spaced doses.


0 to 17 years old with a weight of 20 kg or more


The dosage is 250 mg four times daily.

Adult Dosage:


Orally:

Take 250-500 mg every 6 hours.


Intravenously/Intramuscularly:

For urogenital infections, 1-2 g every 4-6 hours or 50-250 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 4-6 hours up to 12 g per day. please give me. For gonorrhea, the dose is 3.5 g given intravenously once with 1 g probenecid, and for respiratory infections 250 mg every 6 hours. For bacterial meningitis, 150-200 mg/kg/day - every 6-8 hours.

Important Note:

  • All treatments should be directed by your doctor. Do not forget to take it during treatment.

  • Ampicillin may make oral contraceptives less effective. Talk to your doctor about using non-hormonal contraceptives (condoms, diaphragms with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

  • Without consulting a doctor, avoid giving this medication to children.

  • This medicine is for you. Never pass it on to others, even if they seem similar to your condition.

  • Do not take more than the prescribed dose. If you or anyone else thinks you may have overdosed on this medicine, go to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department immediately.

  • If you buy medicine, ask your pharmacist if it's safe to take it with other medicines.

  • Do not store expired or unnecessary medications. Bring them to your neighbourhood pharmacy, where they will get rid of them for you.

  • Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, which could be a sign of a new infection. If you have watery or bloody diarrhea, consult your doctor before using anti-diarrheal drugs.


ampicillin

Various Brands:



ampicillin brands


References:

Indian Pharmacopeia

Book Of Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology (9th Edition)

Book Of Essentials of Medical Pharmacology – K D Tripathi (8th edition)

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