Other Brands/Names

Aktoralin, Ambiopi, Amcillin, Amcillin DS, Ampiholi, Ampimax, Bactesyn, Bannsipen, Binotal, Broadapen, Cinam, Erlacillin, Etabiotic, Kalpicilin, Megapen, Mycil, Novapen, Opicillin, Parpicillin, Penbiotic, Pencil, Phapin, Picyn, Polypen, Rampicillin, Sanpicillin, Standacillin, Sulbacillin, Unasyn, Viccilin, Xepacillin, Yekacillin.

How It Works

Ampicillin trihydrate is an antibiotic, which means it is used to treat bacterial infections. This medication works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell walls, which damages the bacteria and ultimately leads to their destruction. Antibiotics like ampicillin trihydrate are ineffective against viral infections.

Indications

Ampicillin trihydrate is commonly used to treat several bacterial infections, including:

• Urinary tract infections

• Otitis media (middle ear infection)

• Mouth infections

• Respiratory tract infections

• Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart)

• Typhoid fever

Contraindications

Ampicillin trihydrate should not be used in individuals who have a history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to ampicillin trihydrate or other penicillin antibiotics (e.g., hives or swelling of the eyelids).

Side Effects

While these rarely occurs, the side effects of the medicines are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Red spots on the skin

• Fever

• Decreased blood cell counts, such as anemia

• Life-threatening skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis

Types

Ampicillin trihydrate is available in the following forms in Indonesia:

• 500 mg Caplets

• 500 mg, 1000 mg Tablets

• 250 mg, 500 mg Capsules

• 125 mg/5 mL Dry Syrup

• 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg Injectable Powder

Dosage

For treating bacterial infections of the respiratory tract (bronchitis), gastrointestinal tract, or ear (otitis media)

• Adult dosage: 0.25–1 gram every 6 hours daily

• Children <10 years dosage: Half the adult dose

For the treatment of typhoid fever

• Adult dosage: 1–2 grams every 6 hours for 2 weeks

For the treatment of bacterial urinary tract infections

• Adult dosage: 500 mg every 8 hours daily

Safety

Pregnancy:

Ampicillin trihydrate is classified as FDA Category B, meaning animal studies have not shown any harm to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, it is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but its use should be evaluated by a doctor.

Drug Interactions

Contraceptive pills

Taking ampicillin trihydrate alongside contraceptive pills can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptives, decreasing their ability to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, if these medications are used together, it is important to monitor the situation under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

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