Ampicillin

What is it?

Composition

Ampicillin consists of the active substance ampicillin trihydrate, which provides its antibacterial effect. The drug is available in different forms, which makes it easier to choose the right option depending on the disease and the patients condition. Various substances that improve the absorption and storage of the drug can be used as auxiliary components in capsules or powder.

The main active substance acts by destroying the cell wall of bacteria, which leads to their death. Due to this, ampicillin is effective against various pathogenic microorganisms. However, it is important to remember that the drug only works against bacterial infections and is ineffective against viruses.

The composition of capsules or powder may include:

• Ampicillin trihydrate (active ingredient).
• Starch or lactose as fillers.
• Magnesium stearate as a stabilizer.
• Additional ingredients for the capsule shell (if used).

Before use, you must carefully study the composition, especially if you are allergic to the components of the drug.

How to use?

Ampicillin should be used strictly according to the doctors recommendation, since the correct dosage and regimen depend on the severity of the disease, the patients age and other factors. The drug can be used both in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Directions for use:

1. Capsules are taken orally 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after, with a sufficient amount of water.
2. The dosage for adults is usually 250-500 mg every 6 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. For children, the dosage is calculated based on body weight.
3. The course of treatment usually lasts 7-10 days, but can be extended as directed by a doctor.
4. If injection powder is used, administration should only be carried out by medical personnel, strictly following the instructions.
5. It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear earlier, to avoid the development of bacterial resistance to the drug.

If a dose is missed, do not double the next one. Take your medicine as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for your next dose, just continue taking it as usual.

How does it work?

Ampicillin works by interfering with the bacteria that cause the infection. It works by disrupting the process of bacterial cell wall formation, making them unable to remain intact and survive. This makes ampicillin effective against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.

After taking the drug, the active substance is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body, penetrating tissues and fluids, including the blood, lungs, urinary tract, and intestines. This allows ampicillin to fight infections in various organs. The drug is minimally metabolized, with most of it excreted in the urine in its active form, making it particularly effective against urinary tract infections.

The drug works most effectively if taken at regular intervals, maintaining a stable concentration in the body. However, to achieve the maximum effect, it is important to follow the doctors recommendations and not interrupt the course of treatment ahead of time.

Indications

Ampicillin is prescribed for the treatment of various infectious diseases caused by bacteria sensitive to it. Its wide range of applications makes it one of the most commonly used antibiotics in outpatient and inpatient practice.

Indications for use:

• Respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia and tonsillitis.
• Urinary tract infections, such as cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• Gastrointestinal tract infections, including salmonellosis and dysentery.
• Sepsis and other systemic infections.
• Skin and soft tissue infections, including wound infections and abscesses.
• Gonorrhea and other genitourinary infections.

The drugs effectiveness is due to its ability to penetrate body tissues and suppress bacterial growth. However, it is important that the diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor, as ampicillin only works against bacterial infections and is not effective against viruses such as influenza or acute respiratory viral infections.

Contraindications

The use of ampicillin is contraindicated in a number of cases that must be taken into account before starting treatment. Failure to follow the recommendations can lead to serious complications and adverse reactions. That is why it is important to consult a doctor before using the drug.

Contraindications:

• Allergy to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics.
• Severe renal failure, in which the elimination of the drug from the body is impaired.
• Infectious mononucleosis, as it can cause skin rashes when taking ampicillin.
• Lactation period, if there is a risk of penetration of the drug into breast milk and possible impact on the child.
• Age up to 1 month (without strict indications and medical supervision).

The drug is prescribed with caution to patients with bronchial asthma, a tendency to allergic reactions, liver disease. If you have any chronic diseases, you should definitely inform your doctor to assess the risks and select the safest treatment regimen.

Side effects

Like any antibiotic, ampicillin can cause side effects, although in most patients they are rare and disappear after completion of treatment. However, it is important to know about possible reactions of the body in order to promptly seek help if they appear.

Possible side effects:

• Allergic reactions, including skin rash, itching, urticaria and Quinckes edema.
• From the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysbacteriosis.
• Changes in blood composition, such as a decrease in the level of leukocytes or platelets (rare).
• Headache, weakness, dizziness.
• Development of superinfection caused by microorganisms resistant to ampicillin, with prolonged use.

If any of the listed symptoms appear, you must stop taking the drug and consult a doctor. He may prescribe symptomatic therapy or replace the antibiotic with a more suitable one. It is important to remember that following the dosage and doctors recommendations reduces the likelihood of side effects.