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Ampicillin-associated diarrhea--A prospective study
Abstract:
A prospective study of 200 consecutive patients receiving ampicillin for various reasons revealed that bowel habits changed in 16% and diarrhea occurred in 4.5%. No case of pseudomembranous colitis was found. The incidence with which bowel habits changed increased with larger total doses of antibiotic. Oral and intravenous routes causedthe same incidence of altered bowel habits. This study provides a proper comparison group to place clindamycin-associated colitis in proper perspective.
Insights
Ampicillin use in 200 patients altered bowel habits in 16% and caused diarrhea in 4.5%. Higher ampicillin doses increased these effects, with no pseudomembranous colitis observed.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a common clinical concern.
- Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe complication linked to certain antibiotics.
- Ampicillin is a widely used antibiotic with potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of altered bowel habits and diarrhea associated with ampicillin use.
- To determine the relationship between ampicillin dosage and route of administration on gastrointestinal side effects.
- To provide a comparative perspective for antibiotic-associated colitis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of 200 consecutive patients receiving ampicillin.
- Monitoring and recording of changes in bowel habits and occurrence of diarrhea.
Main Results:
- 16% of patients experienced altered bowel habits.
- 4.5% of patients developed diarrhea.
- Increased total ampicillin dosage correlated with a higher incidence of altered bowel habits.
- Both oral and intravenous routes of ampicillin administration showed similar incidences of altered bowel habits.
- No cases of pseudomembranous colitis were identified.
Conclusions:
- Ampicillin is associated with a notable incidence of altered bowel habits and diarrhea.
- Dosage is a significant factor influencing ampicillin-induced gastrointestinal disturbances.
- The findings offer a baseline for understanding the risks of other antibiotics, such as clindamycin, in causing colitis.