Sterile Ampicillin Sodium T P Special Precautions

Before initiating therapy with ampicillin, careful enquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam antibiotics. Although anaphylaxis is more frequent following parenteral therapy, it has occurred in patients on oral penicillins. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of beta-lactam hypersensitivity.
Ampicillin should be avoided if infectious mononucleosis and/or acute or chronic leukaemia of lymphoid origin are suspected. The occurrence of a skin rash has been associated with these conditions following the administration of ampicillin.
Prolonged use may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
Dosage should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment (see Dosage & Administration).
This medicine contains 33.7 mg of sodium per vial, equivalent to 1.7% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.
500 mg: Ampicillin should preferably not to be given to patients with infectious mononucleosis since they are especially susceptible to ampicillin-induced skin rashes; patients with lymphatic leukemia and patients with hyperuricaemia being treated with allopurinol may also be increased risk of developing skin rashes.
Ampicillin may decrease the efficacy of oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives and it may also affect the absorption of other drug due to its effect on the gastro-intestinal flora.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: No studies on the effects to drive and use machines have been performed. Based on reported adverse drug reactions, it is presumed that ampicillin has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.