Ampicillin
Uses of Ampicillin
Ampicillin is commonly used to treat Infectious Diarrhea, Respiratory Tract Infection, Severe Bacterial Infections
How Ampicillin Works
Ampicillin works by inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of the synthesis of peptidoglycan which forms the bacterial cell wall. This leads to death of the bacteria due to ongoing cell wall disruption enzymatic activity while the cell wall assembly is arrested.
Side Effects of Ampicillin
Nausea, Vomiting, Rashes, Fever, Joint paint, Allergic reaction, Black-hairy mouth, Sore tongue,
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Dose adjustment is needed in renal impairment in which dose reduction or increase should be evaluated according to the renal function or whether dialysis is involved or not.
Alcohol Safe
Ampicillin is generally safe to be consumed with alcohol since there is no known interaction nor adverse reaction following consumption of Ampicillin and alcohol ever recorded.
Pregnancy Maybe Safe
Animal studies have shown no teratogenic effects and extensive clinical data on pregnant human also suggest the safety of Ampicillin to the women and fetus.
Driving Generally Safe
Ampicillin is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery, thus it is safe to be used before driving.
Liver Safe If Prescribed
Ampicillin is safe to be used in hepatic impairment without the need for dosage adjustment as no known adverse effects has been recorded.
Lactation Limited Data
There is small traces of Ampicillin detected in human breastmilk and limited data suggest that it is compatible to be used during lactation period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
