Introduction :

Ampicillin and Cloxacillin have their positions in the penicillin group of drugs as antibiotics and fight bacteria in the human body. Being derived from the basic penicillin nucleus, Ampicillin and Cloxacillin are semisynthetic penicillins. By interfering with formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing, these kill sensitive bacteria, thereby weakening the cell wall which ruptures and results in killing the bacteria. Ampicillin and Cloxacillin are used for treating different kinds of infections caused by bacteria. These are available for oral administration in the form of capsules under the brand name of Generic Megapen. The Generic Megapen capsules contain titanium dioxide, silica gel, lactose monohydrate, black iron oxide, gelatin as inactive ingredients.

Indication:

Generic Megapen capsules are indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organism. They are indicated for treating infections of the genitourinary tract including gonorrhea, infections of the respiratory tract, infections of the gastrointestinal tract and meningitis.

Dosage And Administration :

Generic Megapen capsules should be taken exactly as they are directed by your doctor. Avoid taking larger quantities or take the medication for longer period than as recommended by your doctor. These capsules should be taken in empty stomach, so make sure that you take them1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Regular blood tests should be conducted to know whether the medicine is helping your condition or not.

The normal dosage for adults and children suffering from gastrointestinal tract infections other than gonorrhea and have a body weight over 20 kg is 500 mg q.i.d. Large dose may be required by patients suffering from severe and chronic infections.

A single oral dose of 3.5 grams is given simultaneously with 1 gram of probenecid to the patients suffering from gonerrhea.

Children suffering from genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract infections and weighing 20 kg or less should be given a usual dose is 100 mg/kg/day in equally divided and spaced doses and for children suffering from respiratory infections, the usual dose is 50 mg/kg/day which can be taken in three or four equally divided and spaced doses.

Side Effects:

The serious side effects which are cause by Generic Megapen capsules are fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, urinating less than usual or not at all, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior and seizure (black-out or convulsions). All these side effects should be immediately reported to your doctor.

Other side effects which are less serious are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, vaginal itching or discharge, headache, swollen, black tongue and thrush.

Drug Interaction:

Allopurinol, if taken with Ampicillin, the chances of skin rash is increased particularly in case of hyperuricemic patients. The bacterial effect of Cloxacillin may be interfered by chloramphenicol, erythromycins, sulfonamides, or tetracyclines. These capsules may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Probenecid may result in increased blood vessels and decrease renal tubular secretion of ampicillin.

Drug Contraindication:

Generic Megapen capsules are contraindicated with individuals having a history of a previous hypersensitivity reaction to any of the penicillins. Persons suffering from infections caused penicillinase-producing organisms are contraindicated from taking this drug.