Therapeutic action

– Penicillin antibacterial

Indications

– Respiratory and ENT infections (pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, streptococcal tonsillitis),

stomatologic infections, urinary infections (cystitis), gastrointestinal and biliary infections,

infection due to Helicobacter pylori (in combination with omeprazole and metronidazole or

tinidazole), leptospirosis, etc.

– Parenteral to oral switch therapy

Presentation

– 250 mg and 500 mg tablets or capsules

– Powder for oral suspension, 125 mg/5 ml

Dosage

– Child: 50 mg/kg/day in 2 to 3 divided dose

– Adult: 1.5 g/day in 3 divided doses or 2 g/day in 2 divided doses

– In severe infections, double the dose.

Duration

– Otitis media and cystitis: 5 days; tonsillitis: 6 days; leptospirosis: 7 days; pneumonia and sinusitis:

7 to 10 days; H. pylori infection: 10 to 14 days; typhoid fever: 14 days

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

– Do not administer to penicillin-allergic patients, patients with infectious mononucleosis.

– Administer with caution to patients allergic to cephalosporins (cross-sensitivity may occur).

– May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, sometimes severe. In the event

of allergic reaction, stop treatment immediately.

– Reduce dosage in patients with severe renal impairment.

– Do not combine with methotrexate.

– Pregnancy: no contra-indication

– Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

– Use amoxicillin rather than ampicillin: as it is absorbed better, only half the dose is required.

– Storage: below 25°C

Once reconstituted, the oral suspension keeps for 7 days maximum, below 25°C.