June 8, 2023

Does Beecham Ampiclox Prevent Infection?

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Beecham Ampiclox is an antibiotic medication that contains ampicillin and cloxacillin. It is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. While Ampiclox can be effective in fighting certain types of bacterial infections, it does not prevent infections. It is primarily used for treating existing infections and should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.

The approach to preventing many infections leans more toward practical daily routine than pills or antibiotics intake. Drugs like Ampiclox are made to treat already existing infections and not to prevent them.  

Being a broad-spectrum formulation of Ampillicin Trihydrate (6 amino-penicillianic acid) and Cloxacillin Sodium (isoxazolyl penicillin), Ampiclox has a broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

In the rest of this article, you will learn the details of Beecham Ampiclox, its purpose, and its effectiveness in preventing various types of infections. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of this medication and its potential applications.

What You Should Know About Beecham Ampiclox

Medical Composition Each capsule contains Ampicillin Trihydrate BP (Ampicillin 250mg) and Cloxacillin Sodium BP (Cloxacillin 125mg)
Medicine Type Broad-spectrum Antibiotics
Uses To treat bacteria, urinary tract infections, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, stomach and intestine infections, and gonorrhea infections
What it isn't used for Contraceptives, viral infections, cure-all medication
Mode of Administering into the Body Orally, intravenously, or through intramuscular means
Production Company Depending on the country, e.g Beecham in Nigeria
Product Types Tablets, capsules, suspensions, injections

What medication prevents infection?

As mentioned earlier, preventive medication for infections has more to do with measures and practical routines than taking medications.

These measures include excellent hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, and being vaccinated. However, some prophylactic drugs such as Penicillin, work as medication for preventing infection in particular cases.  

On the contrary, improper use of antibiotics such as Beecham Ampiclox can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, making subsequent bacterial infections more difficult to cure.  

As a result, you can only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare practitioner.

Antibiotics that prevent infection  

Antibiotics are primarily used to treat existing bacterial infections rather than prevent them. However, in some specific cases, antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventive measure.  

These are typically referred to as prophylactic antibiotics and are used in situations where there is a high risk of infection.  

The choice of antibiotic for preventive use depends on the specific circumstances and the type of infection being targeted. Commonly used antibiotics for prophylaxis include:

  • Cephalexin: May be prescribed before surgery to prevent surgical site infections.
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: Sometimes used to prevent urinary tract infections in individuals at risk. According to WebMD, It is also used to prevent certain type of pneumonia.
  • Azithromycin: Occasionally given to prevent respiratory infections in individuals with compromised immune systems.

The use of prophylactic antibiotics will be determined by a healthcare professional based on your circumstances and guidelines.  

Again, you shouldn't take antibiotics without proper medical advice, as their misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance and other complications.

How do you treat an infection with Beecham Ampiclox?

Now that you know Beecham Ampiclox only works for treatment and not prevent measures, you'll want to know how to use it properly. The approach to treating an infection with Beecham Ampiclox depends on the type of infection and the existence of any prior medication administered to the body.

When treating an infection with Ampiclox, the following guidelines can be followed:

First consult a healthcare professional

It is important to seek medical advice before starting any antibiotic treatment. You can consult a healthcare professional online and get help in 5 minutes, A healthcare professional can assess your condition and determine if Ampiclox is the appropriate medication for your infection in the first place.

Follow the prescribed dosage

Take Ampiclox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the type and severity of the infection. For example, the typical dose of Ampiclox for respiratory tract infections is 250 mg by mouth 4 times a day (or every 6 hours) for adults and children weighing over 20 kg (44.1 lbs). However, you should always take this medicine according to the prescription of your doctor.

Take with or without food

Ampiclox can be taken with or without food — about 30 minutes to one hour before meals. But if it causes stomach upset, it may be better to take it with meals.

Complete the full course

Even if you start feeling better, it is crucial to complete the full course of Ampiclox as prescribed. Stopping the medication prematurely may result in incomplete eradication of the infection and potential antibiotic resistance.

Be aware of potential side effects:

WebMD study on Ampicillin and related antibiotics such as Ampiclox, reveals that potential side effects of Ampiclox include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Avoid self-medication

Do not use Ampiclox or any other antibiotic without proper medical supervision. Self-medication can lead to inappropriate use, ineffective treatment, and the development of antibiotic resistance.

Remember, the information provided here is a general guideline. Your healthcare professional will give you a personalized advice regarding your specific condition and treatment options using Beecham Ampiclox.

Infections that Beecham Ampiclox doesn't work against

While Beecham Ampiclox is effective against bacterial infections, it is important to note that it does not have direct activity against certain infections. The two prominent infections that Ampiclox doesn't work to treat include

  1. Yeast infections
  1. Fungal infections.

Yeast infections are caused by fungal overgrowth and require antifungal medications for proper treatment.

On the other hand, Fungal infections are caused by various types of fungi and necessitate the use of antifungal medications tailored to target these organisms.

Can Beecham Ampiclox Be Used to Treat Gonorrhea?

Ampiclox is not considered a recommended first-line treatment for gonorrhea. The preferred antibiotics for treating gonorrhea are usually from the class of cephalosporins, such as ceftriaxone, which have shown better efficacy against the specific bacteria that cause gonorrhea.  

This is due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea.

Can Ampiclox Be Used to Treat HIV?

No, Ampiclox cannot be used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. Ampiclox is an antibiotic medication that is effective against certain bacterial infections, but it does not have any activity against viruses like HIV.

HIV is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells.  

The treatment of HIV typically involves antiretroviral therapy (ART), which consists of a combination of medications that target different stages of the HIV life cycle.  

These medications help suppress the virus, slow down the progression of the disease, and preserve immune function.

To determine the most appropriate treatment options for HIV infection, you need to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in HIV management. The professional will consider factors such as your overall health, the stage of HIV infection, and any potential drug interactions or co-existing conditions.

The bottom line

Beecham Ampiclox is an antibiotic medication that contains ampicillin and cloxacillin. It is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections but not to prevent it.

Safe for Penicillin, Cephalexin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and Azithromycin, antibiotics medications aren't among the first-liner preventive measures for most infection types.

As much as Beecham Ampiclox is powerful for treating infections like bacteria, stomach and intestine infections, gonorrhea infections, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections, it doesn't treat viral infections like flu, let alone prevent it.  

Ultimately, you need to meet with a doctor before making any move.  

FAQs

Can Beecham Ampiclox be used for viral infections like the common cold or flu?

No, Beecham Ampiclox is an antibiotic specifically designed to target bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Antibiotics are not recommended for viral infections as they do not have any impact on viruses.

Are there any common side effects associated with Beecham Ampiclox?

Like any medication, Beecham Ampiclox may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Skin rashes and allergic reactions may also occur. It is important to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning side effects.

Can I take Beecham Ampiclox without a prescription?

No, Beecham Ampiclox is a prescription medication. It should only be taken under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional who can properly assess your condition and determine if this antibiotic is suitable for you.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Beecham Ampiclox?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.  

Can I drink alcohol while taking Beecham Ampiclox?

It is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking antibiotics like Beecham Ampiclox. Alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and may also increase the risk of certain side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness and drowsiness.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8613/ampicillin-oral/details

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-uncomplicated-neisseria-gonorrhoeae-infections#

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3409-1071/sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-oral/sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-suspension-oral/details\

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35536541/

https://www.healthline.com/health/prophylactic-antibiotic-premedication#

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