Ampiclox capsule is a combination antibiotic medication that is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. The following are some common uses and indications of Ampiclox Capsule:

  1. Bacterial Infections: Ampiclox capsule is primarily used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is effective against a wide range of bacterial organisms, including both Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. Common infections that Ampiclox may be prescribed for include:
    • Respiratory tract infections: Such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis.
    • Skin and soft tissue infections: Including cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections.
    • Urinary tract infections: Such as cystitis and pyelonephritis.
    • Ear and throat infections: Including otitis media and tonsillitis.
    • Bone and joint infections: Such as osteomyelitis (bone infection) and septic arthritis.
  2. Bacterial Meningitis: Ampiclox Capsule may also be used as part of the treatment for bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  3. Post-Surgical Infections: Ampiclox Capsule may be used to prevent or treat infections that can occur after surgery.
  4. Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis: Ampiclox Capsule may also be used in certain cases to prevent bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart or heart valves, before certain dental or surgical procedures in individuals at risk.

Off-label Uses of Ampiclox Capsule

  1. Dental Infections: Ampiclox capsules might be prescribed for certain dental infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
  2. Intra-abdominal Infections: In some cases, healthcare professionals might consider Ampiclox Capsule for treating intra-abdominal infections when other suitable antibiotics are not available or effective.
  3. Gynecological Infections: Ampiclox Capsule could potentially be used to treat gynecological infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
  4. Mixed Infections: Ampiclox Capsule might be used in cases where infections are caused by multiple types of bacteria and the combination of ampicillin and cloxacillin is deemed effective.
  5. Ear Infections: While not a typical use, Ampiclox Capsule might be considered for certain types of ear infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
Ampiclox Capsule Uses and Indications

What is Ampiclox?

Ampiclox is a combination of two penicillin antibiotics (Ampicillin and Cloxacillin), manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Ampiclox Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

The following are Some alternative brands of Ampiclox and their manufacturers.

Dicillin : Brooks Pharmaceuticals Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Camclox : Chas. A. Mendoza Pakistan.

Axactin : Wilsons Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Adaclox : Adamjee Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Ampi Plus : Don Valley Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Wilclox : Wilshire Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Apoclox : P. D. H. Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Cloxcin : Unexo Labs (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Maxiclox : Macter International (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Biocillin : (CCL) Consolidated Chemical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Zampilox : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Ampiclox : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Ampiclox is available in Capsule, Injection, Syrup, and Drop forms.

Available Strengths of Ampiclox Capsule:

  1. Ampicillin 250mg + Cloxacillin 250mg
  2. Ampicillin 125mg + Cloxacillin 125mg

Available Strengths of Ampiclox Injection:

  1. Ampicillin 250mg + Cloxacillin 250mg
  2. Ampicillin 125mg + Cloxacillin 125mg

Available Strengths of Ampiclox Injection:

  1. Ampicillin 125mg/5ml + Cloxacillin 125mg/5ml

Available Strengths of Ampiclox Drops:

  1. Ampicillin 100mg/ml + Cloxacillin 50mg/ml

Who Should Not Use Ampiclox?

Ampiclox capsules, which contain a combination of ampicillin and cloxacillin, have certain contraindications, meaning there are situations or conditions where the use of this medication is not recommended due to potential risks.

Contraindications:

  1. Allergic Reactions: Individuals who are hypersensitive or allergic to penicillins, cephalosporins, or any of the components of Ampiclox should avoid its use. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
  2. History of Severe Allergic Reactions: Individuals who have a history of severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to penicillin or beta-lactam antibiotics should not take Ampiclox capsules due to the risk of a potentially severe reaction.
  3. Liver Dysfunction: Ampiclox capsule contains cloxacillin, which is primarily eliminated through the liver. Individuals with severe liver dysfunction should avoid its use, as it can lead to increased levels of the drug in the bloodstream and potential adverse effects.
  4. History of Hematological Disorders: Individuals with a history of certain blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia, should avoid Ampiclox capsules, as it can exacerbate these conditions.

Precautions:

  1. Renal Impairment: Ampiclox capsules should be used with caution in individuals with impaired kidney function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary to prevent the accumulation of the drug in the body.
  2. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly colitis, should use Ampiclox capsules cautiously. The use of antibiotics can sometimes lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea or pseudomembranous colitis.
  3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Ampiclox capsule can generally be used during pregnancy, but its use should be determined by a healthcare professional. It is also excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised when using it during breastfeeding.
  4. Bacterial Resistance: The overuse or improper use of antibiotics can lead to the development of bacterial resistance. Ampiclox capsule should only be used to treat bacterial infections and should not be used for viral infections.
  5. Drug Interactions: Ampiclox capsule can interact with other medications, including anticoagulants and oral contraceptives. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to ensure there are no potential interactions.

Recommended Daily Dosage of Ampiclox Capsule

Ampiclox Capsule Dose for Adults:

  • 250 mg (One Capsule) taken every 6 to 8 hours.
  • This means that a typical daily dose can range from 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg (1 to 2 grams) of ampicillin.
  • However, this can vary based on the infection and the individual’s response to treatment.

Ampiclox Capsule Dose for Children:

  • For children, the dosage is determined based on their weight and the severity of the infection. It’s usually prescribed as a certain milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into multiple doses.

How Ampiclox Works?

Ampiclox work by disrupting the cell wall synthesis of bacteria, leading to bacterial cell death.

Here’s an overview of how Ampiclox’s ingredients (ampicillin and cloxacillin) work:

Ampicillin: Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic. Its mode of action involves inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. Bacterial cell walls are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of bacterial cells. They consist of a mesh-like network called peptidoglycan, which provides stability and shape to the cell.

Ampicillin interferes with the last steps of peptidoglycan synthesis, preventing the formation of cross-links that are essential for the stability of the cell wall. This disruption weakens the bacterial cell wall, making it susceptible to osmotic pressure changes. As a result, the bacteria can take up an excessive amount of water, leading to cell lysis (rupture) and bacterial death.

Cloxacillin: Cloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum penicillinase-resistant penicillin (antistaphylococcal) antibiotic. It is designed to be resistant to the action of beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria, which can break down and deactivate many other penicillin antibiotics. Cloxacillin’s mode of action is similar to that of ampicillin; it inhibits cell wall synthesis by interfering with peptidoglycan formation.

One important aspect of cloxacillin’s activity is its effectiveness against certain strains of Staphylococcus bacteria that produce beta-lactamase. These strains are often resistant to other penicillins due to the enzyme’s action. By resisting beta-lactamase and effectively targeting specific bacterial strains, cloxacillin can be particularly useful in treating infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.