What Does Ampicillin Do to a Bacterial Cell and Why?
Ampicillin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of penicillins, which are natural antibiotics that are produced by certain fungi and have bactericidal activity against certain types of bacteria. Ampicillin is used for the treatment of many different types of bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
How Does Ampicillin Work?
Ampicillin works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. The cell walls of bacteria are important for their survival and growth, and ampicillin works by disrupting the process of cell wall formation in bacteria. This prevents the bacteria from growing and dividing, resulting in their death.
What Types of Infections Does Ampicillin Treat?
Ampicillin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Gastrointestinal infections such as diarrhea
Ampicillin is not effective against some types of bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis, and some types of fungi. It is also not effective against viral infections.
What Are the Side Effects of Ampicillin?
The most common side effects of ampicillin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and yeast infections. Less common side effects include allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; difficulty breathing; and hives. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking ampicillin, contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Ampicillin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls, resulting in their death. Ampicillin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and yeast infections. If you experience any serious side effects while taking ampicillin, contact your doctor immediately.
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