Introduction
Ampexin IV/IM is a penicillin-type of antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the throat, ear, nasal sinuses, respiratory tract (eg. pneumonia), urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, and typhoid fever.
Ampexin IV/IM is also used to prevent infection of the heart valves (bacterial endocarditis) in people with pre-existing heart disease. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that fights and stops the growth of many types of bacteria. This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach. Use it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening. The total duration of treatment and precise dosage will be decided by your doctor, depending on the type of infection that you have and how well you respond to the medication.
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or any penicillin-type of medicine. Rash, vomiting, allergic reactions, nausea and diarrhea may be seen as side effects in some patients. These are temporary and usually resolve quickly. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or if your condition worsens. This medicine is generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy if used under a doctor's supervision.
Side effects of Ampexin IV/IM
Common
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Allergic reaction
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
How to use Ampexin IV/IM
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Ampexin IV/IM is to be taken empty stomach.
How Ampexin IV/IM works
Ampexin IV/IM is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Indication
Adult: PO Susceptible infections 0.25-0.5 g 6 hrly.
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever 1-2 g 6 hrly. Duration: 2 wk (acute infections); 4-12 wk (carriers).
Uncomplicated gonorrhoea W/ probenecid: 2 g as single dose.
IV/IM:
IV Intrapartum prophylaxis against group B streptococcal infections Initial, 2 g, then 1 g 4 hrly until delivery.
Septicaemia 150-200 mg/kg/day. Start with IV admin for 3 days, then IM inj 3-4 hrly. Continue treatment for at least 48-72 hr after patient has become asymptomatic or when there is evidence of bacterial eradication.
IV/IM Susceptible infections 250-500 mg 6 hrly.
Meningitis 2-3 g 4-6 hrly, may start w/ IV admin, then continue w/ IM inj.
Inj Supplement to systemic therapy For intrapleural/intraperitoneal/intra-articular admin: 500 mg/day.
Administration
May reduce the efficacy of OC. May alter INR while on warfarin and phenindione. May reduce the efficacy of oral typhoid vaccines. May reduce the excretion of methotrexate. Reduced excretion w/ probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, resulting to increased risk of toxicity. Allopurinol increases ampicillin-induced skin reactions. Reduced absorption w/ chloroquine. Bacteriostatic antibacterials (e.g. erythromycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline) may interfere w/ the bactericidal action of ampicillin.
Adult Dose
Renal failure; patients with lymphatic leukaemia or HIV infections; pregnancy and lactation.
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk, use caution
Renal Dose
Ampicillin exerts bactericidal action on both gm+ve and gm-ve organisms. Its spectrum includes gm+ve organisms eg, S pneumoniae and other Streptococci, L monocytogenes and gm-ve bacteria eg, M catarrhalis, N gonorrhoea, N meningitidis, E coli, P mirabilis, Salmonella, Shigella, and H influenzae. Ampicillin exerts its action by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell wall.
Contraindication
Susceptible infections
Child:
PO: 50–100 mg/kg/day divided q6hr if <20
>20 kg 1–2 g/day divided q6hr
IV/IM:
Child: 50–200 mg/kg/day q6h
300–400 mg/kg/day endocarditis/meningitis q4–6h
Mode of Action
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
Reconstitution: IM: Add 1.5 mL water for inj to 500 mg vial contents. IV: Dissolve 500 mg in 10 mL water for inj.
Precaution
Bacterial infections, Endocarditis, Typhoid fever, Community-acquired pneumonia, Uncomplicated gonorrhea, Susceptible infections, Bacterial meningitis, Paratyphoid fever, Septicaemia, Intrapartum prophylaxis against group B streptococcal infections
Side Effect
Renal impairment: Patients undergoing haemodialysis should receive an additional dose after the session.
CrCl (ml/min)
<10 Dose reduction or increase in dose interval.
Pregnancy Category Note
GI upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea; blood dyscrasias; urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, rash; fever, seizures; interstitial nephritis.
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactic shock; pseudomembranous colitis; neuromuscular hypersensitivity; electrolyte imbalance.
Interaction
Hypersensitivity; infectious mononucleosis.