Antibiotics are antimicrobial meds used for treating bacterial infections. There are many kinds of antibiotic drugs. Some inhibit the progression of bacteria while other kill them. However, antibiotic drugs are not effective in treating infections caused by virus; especially, to trat viral conditions like common cold, flu, etc. On the same vein, these meds are ineffective against growth of fungi or yeast; such conditions are best treated with the use of antifungal meds. Ampicillin is one of the widely used antibiotic meds. What are ampicillin side effects? It is a vital thing to know more.
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. In 1945, he shared the Nobel prize in the field of Physiology or Medicine along with two others. Penicillin is available in multiple forms viz., natural form of penicillin, semi-synthetic variants, etc. As resistance to penicillin has become quite common among microbes, several other forms of antibiotics have become more popular.
In this milieu, what is ampicillin?
This is an antibiotic med grouped under a category called aminopenicillin genre of drugs. It is prescribed for a wide range of infections such as respiratory tract infection, meningitis, infections in your urinary tract (or, UTI), endocarditis, etc. As an extended use, this drug is also administered to inhibit streptococcal infections among newly born infants. Multiple forms of ampicillin are commonly available; most commonly used forms include oral formulations, intramuscular injections as well as an intravenous injection.
Ampicillin
Ampicillin was discovered in the late 1950s. It was brought to market in the early 1960s. It has found a place in the list of essential / important meds listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This organization has labelled ampicillin as a key med for survival and sustenance of human beings. The good news is ampicillin is also available as a generic variant. This means you can procure it at relatively lesser costs than the branded counterparts.
Ampicillin side effects
This drug is likely to cause a few adverse effects. Most often encountered side effects are discharge of loose stools, nausea and formation of rashes on skin. These are more likely to show up among people who have prior allergies to penicillin-based meds. Acute side effects are onset of anaphylaxis – this can lead to fatal outcomes if no treatment is offered on an emergency mode.
Those who are living with renal conditions such as drop down in filtration rate of kidneys, etc. must stay take this med at moderated doses. It is equally important to tell your doctor of such renal problems prior to starting dosages of ampicillin.
Ampicillin side effects in adults
In some adults, ampicillin has caused a few severe side effects. These include respiratory problems such as gasping for breath, wheezing or panting, incessant spells of diarrhea or traces of blood in stools, relapse of signs of infections such as increase in body temperature, soreness of throat, tremors or chills.
Upon witnessing ampicillin side effects in adults showing up as one or more of the aforesaid signs, you are advised to consult with your caregiving team without much delay. Those who live in the US must reach out to 911 as quickly as possible. You may also call the helplines of the US-based federal drug clearing body – the food and drug administration (FDA).
A few adults who took an overdose of ampicillin developed near-fatal outcomes such as seizures, fits, convulsions, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, etc. In all such cases, reach out for medical assistance on an emergency mode.
Those who forgot to take a dose of ampicillin are advised to take it as and when you remember. But, if your next dosage is already coming close, skip the dose you missed. Instead, go ahead with your regular dosing schedule. It can be dangerous to take a dual dose. Lastly, if you have missed multiple doses, talk to your caregiver to reset your dosage plan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Journalism with a minor in Nutrition from Northwestern University. Experience: 15 years as a health journalist, writing for major publications like The New York Times and TIME, with a focus on diet, exercise, and chronic disease management.
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