Like many medications, the correct ampicillin dosage depends on several factors. First and foremost, doctors consider whether the patient has any history of allergy to the mediation. A patient’s age and weight are also key factors in determining dosage. In addition, health care providers consider what condition is being treated and any risk factors involved. A patient’s history, medications, and drug reactions are also taken into account.
Ampicillin is a medication used to fight various types of bacterial infections. The drug falls into the penicillin group of antibiotics. When prescribing ampicillin, doctors first consider whether the patient has had an allergic reaction to any medication in the penicillin family. If so, the drug is usually not prescribed, and they typically choose an alternative antibiotic instead.
When determining the correct ampicillin dosage, practitioners must determine a person’s age and weight. These factors have a direct bearing on the appropriate amount of medication. Children, older patients, and those who are underweight for their age usually receive lower dosages of medication.
In addition, doctors must also consider the type of infection that the medication is intended to fight. Some conditions require a higher ampicillin dosage than others. As an example, if a person has an ear infection, the dosage will likely be lower than if he or she is battling typhoid fever. Also, the manner in which the antibiotic is administered will likely affect the dosage. For instance, some conditions require that the ampicillin be given intravenously, and the concentration and frequency would vary if it were given orally.
A patient’s medical history is also relevant when determining ampicillin dosage. For instance, ampicillin could react with other medications, such as tetracycline, probenecid, or sulfa drugs, and the dosage should therefore be adjusted accordingly. Also, certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, blood disorders, or heart disease can put a patient into a higher risk category and thus affect the ampicillin dosage a doctor might prescribe.
While ampicillin appears to be safe for women who are expecting, the stage of pregnancy can affect the appropriate dosage. Health care providers don’t normally prescribe the medication for women who are nursing because it can leach into the breast milk and might eventually cause the baby to build up an immunity to the medication. Additionally, this particular antibiotic can lessen the effect of certain birth control pills, and that issue might also affect the prescribed dosage.
Once ampicillin is prescribed, patients are typically asked to monitor their reactions to the drug and note any adverse affects. Some adverse reactions, such as stomach upset or vaginal discharge, can be mild, while others, such as high fever, agitation, and seizures, are more serious. All side effects should be promptly evaluated by a medical specialist so that the ampicillin dosage can be adjusted accordingly.