Ampiclox: Uses, How it works, and Side Effects

Ampiclox is one of the many antibiotics available today to cure bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of drugs called penicillin and has a combination of two medicines cloxacillin and ampicillin. Your doctor may also use Ampiclox to treat many different conditions.

It is mainly used to treat and prevent ear, nose, and throat infections and it is also used to treat respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. Ampiclox only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections like the common cold.

However, it is a good idea to get familiar with Ampiclox dosage requirements and certain pros and cons of taking the antibiotic. Read on to learn how to use Ampiclox, how it works in the body, the side effects related to it, and also what to do when you take an overdose.

Here is a list of what you should expect in this post:

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Table of Contents

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What is Ampiclox?

Ampiclox is an antibiotic that contains 250 mg of ampicillin and 250 mg of cloxacillin. It is used for the treatment of bacterial infections.

What are the common types of Ampiclox?

Ampiclox is available in oral tablets and capsules, injectables, syrup, and neonatal drops. There are three common types, they are:

1. Ampiclox Syrup 250Mg 100ML

How It Helps: It is available in powdered form, and it contains Cloxacillin and Ampicillin trihydrate B.P. It proves extremely beneficial against infections caused by a combination of different organisms. It is also a suitable choice to treat an infection that includes penicillin-resistant staphylococci.

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How to Use: Children up to 2 years of age should consume 250mg every 6 hours, whereas children between 2 and 10 years of age should consume up to 500mg every 6 hours.

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2. Ampiclox 500mg (capsules)

How It Helps: It is used for the treatment of bacterial infections, it is quite effective in the treatment of bronchitis, lung abscess, pneumonia, and infections associated with cystic fibrosis. It has also produced great results for patients suffering from tonsillitis, sinusitis, and pelvic infections such as salpingitis, septic abortion, and caesarian section prophylaxis.

How to Use: Adults and children who are above 10 years of age should take a capsule every 6 hours, but your doctor may also advise otherwise considering the severity of your infection.

READ: Ampicillin: Uses, How it works, and Side Effects

3. Ampiclox Neonatal Drops 8ML

How It Helps: It is available in a powdered form that can be used to prepare neonatal drops. It helps treat different infections and is quite effective in treating an infection where penicillin-resistant staphylococci are present.

How to Use: Each bottle comes with a pipette and you need to take it every 4 hours.

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What is Ampiclox used for?

It is used in the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms including:

Upper and lower respiratory tract infections,
Urinary tract infection
Middle ear infections,
Gastrointestinal infections
Bone and joint infection
Skin and soft-tissue infections such as boils or infections as a result of spider bites.
Endocarditis – Inflammation of the lining of the heart and its valves.
Impetigo – a bacterial skin infection characterized by small pus-filled blisters.
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Osteomyelitis
Bacterial Meningitis
Throat Infection
Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Nasal Infection

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How does Ampiclox work?

This drug belongs to Aminopenicillins. it works by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis thus inhibiting the growth and multiplication of the bacteria.

When used against the beta-lactamase of staphylococci, the large R chain does not let the beta-lactamases bind.

How should I take Ampiclox?

Use this medication as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact Ampiclox dosage instructions. Here are the steps you should follow while taking this medication:

Take Ampiclox by mouth at least one-half hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Consume it with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
Take on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking this medication at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
To clear up your infection completely, use the medication for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
Ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have about how to use Ampiclox.

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Ampiclox dosage

Ampiclox can be taken orally (mouth) or intravenously (injection).

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ORAL:

The usual dose for adults for susceptible infections is one capsule four times a day.
For serious infections, the dose can be increased up to 12 capsules per day.
The usual childhood dose for susceptible infection is one dose four times a day.
The usual dose in adults for skin and soft tissue infections is Osteomyelitis and other bone infections. In acute osteomyelitis, parenteral therapy is for the first three weeks for another three weeks in chronic osteomyelitis parenteral therapy is for one or two months, followed by oral therapy in the episode.

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INTRAVENOUS:

The usual dose for adults for septicemia, meningitis, and endocarditis caused by sensitive organisms is Ampiclox 500mg (ampicillin 250 mg and cloxacillin 250 mg) in ten ml or 1 g (ampicillin 500 mg and 500 mg) cloxacillin in 20 ml of water for injections. Given slowly for three or four minutes, repeated every six hours.
Doses of more than 500 mg should be administered in two different locations of no more than 500 mg in 3 ml.
The doctor can suggest the dose depending on your medical history and other medical conditions, physical health, and current medications. The dosage also depends on the patient’s response.

What happens when I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Ampiclox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time.

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What happens when I take an overdose?

An overdose of this medication, even over the counter, is quite serious and needs emergency attention. Be sure to call 911 or Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. Taking more than the prescribed amount can cause serious side effects.

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What happens if I take expired Ampiclox?

Taking a single dose of an expired drug is unlikely to cause any side effects. However, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not feeling well or if you are ill.

An expired drug may become ineffective in the treatment of your prescribed conditions. For safety reasons, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer if you always stock up on unexpired medicines.

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Can I take Ampiclox with other drugs?

Taking an Ampiclox tablet with other medications, herbs, and vitamins might change the way the drug works, and it can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

Cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid)
Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S), tetracycline (Sumycin,) minocycline (Minocin), and doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin,).
Ampiclox may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking this medication to protect against pregnancy.
It also increases the side effects of allopurinol (Zyloprim) and may cause a rash.
It increases the effects of methotrexate.
Probenecid (Benemid) increases the effects of Ampiclox. These drugs may be used together for this purpose; however, be sure your doctor is aware if you are taking probenecid. You may need a lower dose of Ampiclox.

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This document does not contain all the possible interactions Ampiclox has with other medications. Therefore, before using Ampiclox, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use.

How much is Ampiclox?

The price may vary from country to country, online and local shops have different sets of prices.

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Can Ampiclox be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Please visit your doctor for a recommendation as such a case requires special attention.

Precautions

It is important to pay attention to certain things before you start using this medicine:

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Ampiclox is not suitable for infants.
Avoid taking this drug if you are allergic to Penicillin or any other component of this medicine
Avoid taking this medication If you have Kidney or Liver ailments, the dosage of this medicine should be lower
Not suitable if you have leukemia (blood cancer)
Do not take it If you are on a Sodium restrictive diet
Use with caution If you have Gout and taking allopurinol and probenecid.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you’re planning to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding your baby before you start using Ampiclox.
Do not take it if you have glandular fever

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What are the side effects of Ampiclox?

Like other antibiotic drugs, can have certain side effects as well. If you notice any of the following side effects, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.

Common side effects

A mild itchy rash may appear on your skin.
You may notice hive-like swollen areas on your legs, forearms, hands, palms, or feet.
You may feel sick and nauseous while using this antibiotic.
Minor stomach upsets
Joint pain
Allergic reaction

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Serious side effects

If you experience any serious side effects, call your doctor right away. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

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It may cause inflammation of blood vessel walls that will cause flat red spots to appear under your skin’s surface.
You may experience a delayed allergic reaction with signs such as fever, rashes, enlargement of lymph nodes, and joint pains.
Erythema multiforme, a rare but possible side effect of Ampiclox, will make itchy reddish patches appear on your skin, especially on the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands.
You may notice skin reactions after using Ampiclox. This will cause your skin color to change and bumps to appear under your skin. You may also notice pustules and blisters with itching, pain, and scaling.
The inflammation of the large bowel is yet another rare and serious side effect of this antibiotic.
You may even have to deal with serious liver side effects. Call your doctor if you get blisters under your skin, severe diarrhea with bleeding, yellowish skin, and darker urination with pale stools.

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This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store Ampiclox?

Store this medicine at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C (77 ° F). The suspension must be used within 7 days of delivery.

Oral drops for neonates should be stored in the refrigerator, not frozen, protected within 5 days of delivery, and protected from moisture. Keep this medicine away from children.

Reference

gmedication–ampiclox
enkiverywel–ampiclox Common Types, and Side Effects
drugsbanks–ampiclox Mechanism, Dosage

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