Side effects of Ampiclox

Answer 1

AMPICLOX may produce diarrhoea, nausea and heartburn. Allergic reactions which may include exfoliative dermatitis, other skin rashes, interstitial nephritis and vasculitis may occur. In this event, withdrawal of AMPICLOX and administration of an antihistamine will suffice in most cases. Should a serious anaphylactic reaction occur. AMPICLOX should be discontinued and the patient treated with the usual agents (adrenalin, corticosteroids or antihistamines).
A generalised sensitivity reaction with urticaria, fever, joint pains and eosinophilia can develop within a few hours to several weeks after starting treatment.
Superinfections by resistant species, such as Pseudomonas or Candida, which do not respond to penicillin therapy may occur.
A sore mouth or tongue and a black hairy tongue have been reported.
Increase in liver enzyme values have been reported.
Care should be taken when high doses are given to patients with renal impairment (because of the risk of neurotoxicity) or congestive heart failure. Renal and haematological systems should be monitored during prolonged and high dose therapy.
Care should be taken when treating patients with syphilis, as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction may occur shortly after starting treatment. This reaction, manifesting as fever, chills, headache and reactions at the site of the lesion, can be dangerous in cardiovascular syphilis or where there is a serious risk of increased local damage such as with optic atrophy.
Haemolytic anaemia and leucopenia, prolongation of bleeding time and detective platelet function have been observed usually following high intravenous doses. Convulsions and other signs of toxicity to the CNS may occur particularly with intravenous administration or in patients with renal failure.
Intrathecal administration of penicillins is not recommended, because it is a potent convulsant when given by this route.
AMPICLOX contains ampicillin and should preferably not be given to patients with infectious mononucleosis, lymphatic leukaemia and patients receiving allopurinol treatment because of an increased risk of developing skin rashes.
AMPICLOX may decrease the efficacy of oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives.
AMPICLOX contains cloxacillin sodium, therefore disturbances of blood electrolytes may follow the administration of large doses.