Ampicillin capsules|Use|Side effects

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Side Effects

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Ampicillin is an antibiotic used to prevent and treat a number of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, salmonellosis, and endocarditis. It may also be used to prevent group B streptococcal infection in newborns. It is used by mouth, by injection into a muscle, or intravenously.Like all antibiotics, it is not useful for the treatment of viral infections.
Common side effects include rash, nausea, and diarrhea. It should not be used in people who are allergic to penicillin. Serious side effects may include Clostridium difficile colitis or anaphylaxis. While usable in those with kidney problems, the dose may need to be decreased.Its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding appears to be generally safe.

Ampicillin was discovered in 1958 and came into commercial use in 1961.It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.Its wholesale cost in the developing world is between US$0.13 and 1.20 for a vial of the intravenous solution as of 2014.In the United States, it is available as a generic medication and 10 days of treatment cost about $13.
Ampicillin is used to treat infections by many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ampicillin was the first 'broad spectrum' penicillin with activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, some isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (but not penicillin-resistant or methicillin-resistant strains), and some Enterococcus. Activity against Gram-negative bacteria includes Neisseria meningitidis, some Haemophilus influenzae, and some of the Enterobacteriaceae. Its spectrum of activity is enhanced by co-administration of sulbactam, a drug that inhibits beta lactamase, an enzyme produced by bacteria to inactivate ampicillin and related antibiotics. It is sometimes used in combination with other antibiotics that have different mechanisms of action, like vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, and tigecycline.

Ampicillin can be administered by mouth, an intramuscular injection (shot) or by intravenous infusion.

Indications :
respiratory infections
sinusitis
bronchitis
pharyngitis
otitis media
bacterial meningitis
Salmonella, Shigella, and Listeria bacteria.
gastrointestinal infections caused by contaminated water or food.
healthcare-associated infections related to infection from urinary catheter use unresponsive to other medications.
Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae infections.
Genito-urinary tract infections
prevent infection (prophylaxis) in those who previously had rheumatic heart disease or are undergoing dental procedures.
Side effects:
Ampicillin is comparatively less toxic than other antibiotics. In very rare cases, it causes severe side effects such as angioedema, anaphylaxis, and C. difficile infection. Some develop black 'furry' tongue'. The most serious adverse effects are seizures, serum sickness, anaphylaxis, pseudomembranous colitis. The most common side effects to be expected in ten percent of users are diarrhea and rash. Less common side effects can be nausea, vomiting, itching, blood dyscrasias, and mild allergic reactions. Other conditions may develop up several weeks after treatment.

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