Ampicillin

Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible bacteria, such as certain respiratory tract infections.
• Certain ear, nose and throat infections caused by susceptible organisms.
• Certain urinary tract infections caused by susceptible organisms.
• Certain gastrointestinal and biliary tract infections caused by susceptible organisms.
• Meningitis, septicaemia or endocarditis due to susceptible organisms, usually requiring specialist care and injectable therapy.

The dose, route and duration of Ampicillin depend on the type and severity of infection, the patient's age, weight, kidney function and the susceptibility of the bacteria. Adults are commonly treated several times daily, and injectable treatment is reserved for infections where oral therapy is not suitable or for serious infections. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve. Do not self-medicate or change the dose without medical advice; follow the registered doctor's prescription.

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, rash or itching.
• Possible: oral or vaginal fungal overgrowth, fever, changes in blood counts or liver enzyme abnormalities.
• Serious: severe allergic reaction including swelling, breathing difficulty or anaphylaxis; severe skin reactions; persistent or bloody diarrhoea suggesting antibiotic-associated colitis.

Use Ampicillin carefully in people with a history of allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-lactam antibiotics, kidney disease, infectious mononucleosis, asthma or other allergic conditions. Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe rash or severe diarrhoea. Antibiotics should be used only for bacterial infections and exactly as prescribed to reduce treatment failure and antimicrobial resistance. Use this medicine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Allopurinol may increase the risk of skin rash when used with ampicillin.
• Probenecid can increase and prolong blood levels of ampicillin.
• Oral anticoagulants such as warfarin may have altered effect; monitoring may be needed.
• Methotrexate clearance may be reduced, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Some bacteriostatic antibiotics may interfere with the antibacterial effect; use together only if prescribed.
• Oral typhoid vaccine may be less effective during antibiotic therapy; timing advice is needed.

• Known hypersensitivity to ampicillin, other penicillins or any component of the product.
• History of severe immediate allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Ampicillin is generally considered compatible with pregnancy when clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. It passes into breast milk in small amounts; breastfeeding infants should be observed for diarrhoea, rash or fungal infection. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should use it only on medical advice.

Store capsules, powders and unopened containers in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture and direct light, and keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted suspensions or injections should be stored and used according to the product label and healthcare professional's instructions; do not use after the expiry date or if the preparation looks abnormal.