Oral doses of ampicillin for acne are often prescribed along with a topical antibiotic cream or when other methods of treatment for acne are not effective. The development of resistance to antibiotics is a recurring problem in the treatment of acne. In addition, acne on the chest and back often responds better to oral medication than to topical creams alone, so ampicillin for acne in these cases may be recommended along with a topical antibiotic cream. Patients should be aware that it can take a few months to gain the full benefits of an antibiotic treatment for severe cases of acne.
While not the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for the treatment of acne, ampicillin for acne can be prescribed by dermatologists in combination with other acne treatments or in cases where other antibiotics have not been effective. A variety of different antibiotics are prescribed for acne, which are capable of killing bacteria as well as minimizing the irritating effects of overactive white blood cells that create inflamation. According to experts, the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for acne are tetracycline, erythromycin, minocycline, doxycycline, and clindamycin. Some antibiotics like tetracycline and erythromycin are available in a topical cream form.
Often an embarrassing and sometimes serious problem, acne is common among many teenagers and some adults. Acne occurs when the body produces an overabundance of sebum, or oil, which combines with dirt and dead skin cells to clog pores, hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Physicians prescribe antibiotics for severe cases of acne when it is obvious that a bacterial infection is worsening a case of acne.
Ampicillin, a veteran antibiotic, was approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 1961. It is prescribed for an array of bacterial infections that occur in the human body, including sinus, respiratory and urinary tract infections. Ampicillin can also be prescribed for more serious infections like meningitis.
Like other prescription medications, ampicillin can have side effects. People who have a known allergy to penicillin should definitely inform their physician before taking ampicillin, because this drug is a member of the penicillin family. Patients should watch for signs of a serious allergy by taking note of symptoms like hives and rashes, shortness of breath, swelling of the mouth and tongue, and difficulty swallowing. Other side effects of ampicillin include vaginal discharge, nausea and diarrhea. Persons taking ampicillin for acne should report any severe side effect to a physician immediately.
