Can a pregnant woman take Ampiclox (Beecham)? Is it safe?

 Key takeaways

• Ampiclox (Beecham) is a common antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and other common bacteria infections.
• Doctors commonly prescribe Ampiclox (Beecham) for pregnant people because it is considered safe for pregnancy.
• Ampiclox (Beecham) is commonly misused in Nigeria because it is a readily available antibiotic.

Beecham is the most popular brand of Ampiclox available in Nigeria today. It is manufactured by an international pharmaceutical company called GlaskoSmithKline (GSK). Ampiclox is an antibiotic medication that combines two antibiotics: ampicillin and Cloxacillin.

The primary use of Ampiclox (Beecham) is in treating bacterial infections. Since it combines two antibiotics, Ampiclox (Beecham) is highly effective for treating a broad spectrum of bacterial infections.

Doctors usually prescribe Ampiclox (Beecham) to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and other common bacterial infections. It is available as capsules, suspensions, and injectables and can be used by adults and children.

This article will explore the safety of Ampiclox (Beecham) in pregnant women, its uses, and its dosage in adults and children.

 Can a pregnant person take Ampiclox Beecham? Is it safe?

Yes. Ampiclox (Beecham) is considered safe for pregnant persons. You can take it when pregnant if prescribed by your doctor.

While certain antibiotics, like quinolones, macrolides, and doxycycline, are not considered safe for pregnant women, it is often safe for them to take Ampiclox (Beecham). This is because Ampiclox (Beecham) is a penicillin antibiotic, and a study shows that penicillin antibiotics are the most prescribed antibiotics in pregnant women. 

The penicillin antibiotics like Ampiclox and Amoxicillin are referred to as pregnancy category B medications. This category of drugs has been tested in animal studies and shows no risk to the fetus, although there are inadequate human studies to support it. 

However, Ampiclox (Beecham) may cause side effects in some people, so it is best to speak to a doctor first before ingesting it.

 Can Ampiclox Beecham affect early pregnancy?

While some drugs like misoprostol, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin should be avoided in the early stages of pregnancy because of the risk to the fetus, Ampiclox (Beecham) does not affect early pregnancy.

Also, there is a misconception that Ampiclox (Beecham) can be used to prevent or end pregnancy in its early stages, but this is false. Only contraceptives like Postinor 2 and Postpill are effective in preventing pregnancy, while abortion pills like misoprostol are effective in ending early-stage pregnancy.

As an antibiotic, Ampiclox can only be used to treat bacterial infections.  

 Does Ampiclox Beecham prevent infection?

No. Ampiclox (Beecham) is not used to prevent infection. 

Ampiclox (Beecham) is an antibiotic, and it is used for the treatment of bacterial infections. This means a bacterial infection must have occurred before the medication can be used.

However, in rare cases, the neonatal suspension and injectable form of Ampiclox (Beecham)  can prevent bacterial infections in premature babies.

Also, Ampiclox (Beecham) is not suitable in all cases of bacterial infections. It is only used when the organism causing the infection is susceptible to Ampiclox medication.  

Ampiclox (Beecham) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can treat infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Some infections that can be treated with Ampiclox (Beecham) include septicemia, bronchitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, and tonsillitis.

It is important to carry out a test to ensure that this medicine is the best antibiotic for your infection. This will help prevent the misuse of medication, which can lead to antibiotic resistance.

 Ampiclox Beecham dosage for adults and children

Ampiclox beecham comes in different dosage forms, such as capsules, suspensions, and injectables.

The capsule usually comes in 500 mg, containing 250 mg of ampicillin and 250 mg of cloxacillin. This 500 mg capsule is more suitable for adults and is usually given 1–2 g every six hours.

While the adult dose for the injectable is usually 500 mg–1000 mg every 4–6 hours. 

Ampiclox (Beecham) is also used to treat infections in children. When used in children, it is usually given as a suspension or an injectable. The suspension comes as 250 mg in every 5 ml and can be given as 5–10 ml every 6 hours.

The injectable, on the other hand, can be given 250 mg every 8 hours to children.

It is important to note that the dose of Ampiclox (Beecham) used in adults or children can be adjusted based on specific needs, disease conditions, or damage to the liver or kidney. Cases of overdose may lead to neurotoxic reactions or gastrointestinal effects like diarrhea and vomiting, so you should see a doctor before taking Ampiclox (Beecham).

 How to know the original Ampiclox Beecham

Most people prefer Ampiclox (Beecham) over other brands of Ampiclox because it is one of the oldest and most trusted brands of Ampiclox in the market. However, since it has become increasingly scarce, some people have begun producing fake versions.

The counterfeit versions of Ampiclox (Beecham) may contain inadequate or no active ingredient. Taking the fake version can worsen the disease or even lead to death.

There is a way to confirm the authenticity of any Ampiclox (Beecham) you purchase to avoid buying the fake. This involves an SMS-based technology in which you send an SMS to inquire if the drug is fake or original.

When you purchase an Ampiclox (Beecham), a unique 10-digit number is hidden under a panel. Scratch the panel carefully and send the number as an SMS to 38353, and you will get a message after a few seconds confirming or denying the drug’s authenticity.

 Why you should speak to a doctor before taking Ampiclox

Amplox (Beecham) and all other antibiotics have a high potential for misuse, so before you take Ampiclox Beecham, you need to talk to your doctor to ensure it is the right drug.

Misusing Ampiclox (Beecham) may lead to antibiotic resistance, potentially harming you or leading to death. Always see a doctor before taking this medicine to avoid misuse.

Before you take any antibiotic, you should see a doctor who might recommend specific tests to ensure that Ampiclox (Beecham) is the best drug for your condition.