COMPOSITION:Each capsule contains Ampicillin Trihydrate BP equivalent to 500 mg Ampicillin anhydrous.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:
Ampicillin is a bactericidal broad spectrum penicillin.
INDICATIONS:
Indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible strains of Gram-positive and Gram-nagtive organism.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Ampicillin should not be given to patients known to be allergic to penicillin nor,in the neo-natal period,to babies born of hypersensitive mothers.
Ampicillin should not be given to patients with infectious mononucleosis since they are especially susceptible to ampicillin-induced rashes,patients with lymphatic leukaemia and patients with hyperurucaemia being treated with allopurinol,since they may be at increased risk of developing ampicillin-induced skin rashes.
WARNINGS:Ampicillin may cause reactions typical of penicillin allergy. Inpatients with a history of penicillin or cephalosporin allergy Ampicillin should be used with caution.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Adults:250 mg to 750 mg every 6 hours.
Children 0 - 6 years:62,5 mg to 187,5 mg every 6 hours.
Children 7 - 10 years:125 mg to 375 mg every 6 hours.
Children over 10 years:250 mg to 750 mg every 6 hours.
SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms(Aerobacter aerogenes,Pseudomonas,Candida,etc.)may occur and under these circumstances,Ampicillin treatment should be discontinued and specific or supportive therapy instituted.Diarrhoea,nausea,vomiting,heartburn and pruitis ani may occur.When Ampicllin is administered to a hypersensitive patient,allergic reaction may occur.Urticaria and maculupapular skin rashes are common,exfoliative dermatitis,eosinophilia,angioneurotic oedema,erythema multiforme,fever and swollen joints may occur.
Allergic reactions which may be fatal such as anaphylaxis may occur.These reactions may be common after oral administration.If serious anaphylactic reaction occurs,Ampicillin should be discontinued and the patient treated with adrenalin,cortocosteriods and antihistamines.Theonset of the symptoms varies: it may occurr within a few days of the beginning of treatment or not until therapy with a penicillin treatment of mononucleosis a rash usually appears.Severe pseudomembranous colitis may occur.Raised serum aminotransferase concentrations have benn reported.
Use with caution in patients with syphylis as the Jarish-Herxheimer reaction may occur.
KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSAGE AND PARTICULARS OF IT'S TREATMENT:
See"Side-effects and Special Precautions".Should a serious allergic reaction occur the medicine should be discontinued.
Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.