Medication side effect

Can Ampicillin cause pyrexia?

Yes — pyrexia has been reported as a side effect of Ampicillin in FDA adverse-event reports (FAERS) and product labeling. It is among the more frequently reported events for this medication. These are voluntary reports, so they show what's been reported, not how often it happens.

Boxed warning

Rx only PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

Reported adverse reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS As with other penicillins, it may be expected that untoward reactions will be essentially limited to sensitivity phenomena. They are more likely to occur in individuals who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to penicillin and in those with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria. The following adverse reactions have been reported as associated with the use of ampicillin: Infections and Infestations: Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (see WARNINGS section). Gastrointestinal : glossitis, stomatitis, nausea, vomiting, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, and diarrhea. These reactions are usually associated with oral dosage forms of the drugs. Hypersensitivity Reactions : Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), angioedema, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in beta-lactam antibiotics (see WARNINGS ). An erythematous, mildly pruritic, maculopapular skin rash has been reported fairly frequently. The rash, which usually does not develop within the first week of therapy, may cover the entire body including the soles, palms, and oral mucosa. The eruption usually disappears in three to seven days. Other hypersensitivity reactions that have been reported are: skin rash, pruritus, urticaria, erythema multiforme, and an occasional case of exfoliative dermatitis. Linear IgA bullous dermatosis has been reported. Anaphylaxis is the most serious reaction experienced and has usually been associated with the parenteral dosage form of the drug. NOTE : Urticaria, other skin rashes, and serum sickness-like reactions may be controlled by antihistamines, and, if necessary, systemic corticosteroids. Whenever such reactions occur, ampicillin should be discontinued unless, in the opinion of the physician, the condition being treated is life-threatening, and amenable only to ampicillin therapy. Serious anaphylactic reactions require emergency measures (see WARNINGS ). Liver : Moderate elevation in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) has been noted, but the significance of this finding is unknown. Hemic and Lymphatic Systems : Anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, eosinophilia, leukopenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported during therapy with penicillins. These reactions are usually reversible on discontinuation of therapy and are believed to be hypersensitivity phenomena. Other adverse reactions that have been reported with the use of ampicillin are laryngeal stridor and high fever. An occasional patient may complain of sore mouth or tongue as with any oral penicillin preparation.

Warnings

WARNINGS SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS ON PENICILLIN THERAPY. ALTHOUGH ANAPHYLAXIS IS MORE FREQUENT FOLLOWING PARENTERAL THERAPY, IT HAS OCCURRED IN PATIENTS ON ORAL PENICILLINS. THESE REACTIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF SENSITIVITY TO MULTIPLE ALLERGENS. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE REACTIONS WHEN TREATED WITH CEPHALOSPORINS. BEFORE THERAPY WITH ANY PENICILLIN, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE CONCERNING PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLINS, CEPHALOSPORINS OR OTHER ALLERGENS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION OCCURS, APPROPRIATE THERAPY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. SERIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE. OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING INTUBATION, SHOULD ALSO BE ADMINISTERED AS INDICATED. Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Ampicillin may cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). If patients develop a skin rash, they should be monitored closely, and ampicillin discontinued if lesions progress. Hepatotoxicity Hepatic dysfunction, including hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice has been associated with the use of ampicillin. Hepatic toxicity is usually reversible; however, deaths have been reported. Hepatic function should be monitored at regular intervals in patients with hepatic impairment. Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ampicillin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Other reported side effects of Ampicillin

Frequently asked questions

Is pyrexia a side effect of Ampicillin?

Yes — pyrexia has been reported as a side effect of Ampicillin in FDA adverse-event reports (FAERS) and/or its labeling. These are voluntary reports, so they show what's been reported, not how often it happens.

How common is pyrexia with Ampicillin?

pyrexia is among the more frequently reported events for Ampicillin in FAERS. Reporting volume isn't a true incidence rate — check the prescribing information for documented frequencies.

What should I do if I have pyrexia while taking Ampicillin?

Don't stop a prescribed medication on your own. Tell your prescriber or pharmacist — they can tell you whether it's expected, whether it needs attention, and what to do next.

Informational only, drawn from FDA adverse-event reporting (FAERS) and labeling — not medical advice, and not proof a medication caused an effect. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist about any side effect.

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