Adverse reactions associated with aminopenicillins in Indian population.

The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions following ampicillin and amoxicillin administration to 439 and 169 indoor patients of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi were 19.13% and 15.5% respectively. Ampicillin produced diarrhoea (7.74%), nausea and vomiting (7.74%) anorexia (5.46%) headache (4.10%) and allergic reactions (2.9%). With amoxicillin, anorexia was observed in 4.79%, epigastric distress in 5.9% headache in 6.58%, coating of tongue in 8.98% and dizziness in 1.79% of patients. Intramuscular route of administration of ampicillin produced least ADRs. Females were more susceptible to adverse reactions of ampicillin and males to amoxicillin. Incidence of ADRs by these two aminopenicillins is less than that reported from abroad.