June 7, 2023

Can Ampiclox Prevent Pregnancy? 

Article fact-checked and approved by Dr. Didi Emokpare
Content provided in partnership with Radiant Health Magazine

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No, Ampiclox cannot prevent pregnancy. Ampiclox is an antibiotic medication that contains a combination of ampicillin and cloxacillin. It is commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. However, it has no contraceptive effects and is not designed or intended to be used as a method of preventing pregnancy.  

Ampiclox (ampicillin‐cloxacillin) is an antibiotic medication prescribed for various bacterial infections to be taken by mouth or injected into a vein. If you’re concerned about preventing pregnancy or flushing out sperm after unprotected or unplanned sex, you may have pondered about using pills.  

A 2022 study revealed that there’s a widespread reliance on and use of Ampiclox as an emergency contraceptive among young women in Nigeria. It explains why you probably must have heard about this branded capsule being taken after unprotected sex. 

In the rest of this article, you will learn about the medical composition of Ampiclox, what it works as, the dangers of using it as a contraceptive pill, and other safer (and effective) methods to prevent pregnancy or flush out sperm

What You Should Know About Ampiclox 

Medical Composition Ampicillin - Penicillin and Cloxacillin
Medicine Type Broad-spectrum Antibiotics
Uses To treat bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, stomach and intestine infections, and gonorrhea infections
Not Used for Contraceptives, viral infections, cure-all medication
Mode of Administration Orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly
Production Company Varies by country (e.g., Beecham in Nigeria)
Product Types Tablets, capsules, suspensions, injections


Ampiclox is a mixture of ampicillin, which is composed of penicillin and cloxacillin. The medication works as an antibiotic. So doctors prescribe Ampiclox for infections like bacteria, stomach and intestine infections, gonorrhea infections, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections. 

According to Dr. Robert Kwok on Health Tap, practicing general pediatrics in California, oral antibiotics, such as Ampiclox, work for so many things but they do not prevent pregnancy, assuming a couple is using antibiotics in the usual manner. 

Using Ampiclox to flush out sperm or prevent conception could even pose some dangers. 

Dangers of Taking Ampiclox to Prevent Pregnancy (Medical Reasons) 

Here are five medical reasons why using Ampiclox as a contraceptive method is dangerous: 

  • Ineffectiveness: Ampiclox does not have any contraceptive properties and is not designed or approved for use as a contraceptive method. Relying on Ampiclox for pregnancy prevention will lead to a high failure rate, increasing the chances of unintended pregnancy. 
  • Antibiotic resistance: Frequent or unnecessary use of antibiotics like Ampiclox can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt and become resistant to the effects of the medication, making it less effective or ineffective in treating bacterial infections in the future.  
  • Disruption of normal flora: Ampiclox, like other antibiotics, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body. It can kill not only harmful bacteria but also beneficial bacteria that play crucial roles in maintaining overall health, particularly in the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts. This disruption can lead to various complications, such as yeast infections or bacterial overgrowth. 
  • Side effects: Ampiclox may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions, especially when you take it without prescription guidance from a doctor. Using Ampiclox unnecessarily for contraception exposes you to these potential side effects without providing any actual contraceptive benefits. 
  • Interference with other medications: Ampiclox can interact with other medications, including oral contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness. If you're taking Ampiclox while using hormonal contraceptives, the antibiotic can interfere with the contraceptive's ability to prevent pregnancy, leading to an increased risk of unintended pregnancy. 

Again, I strongly recommend you consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate and effective contraceptive methods.  

You only use Ampiclox under the guidance of a healthcare provider for the treatment of bacterial infections, as prescribed. 

What Pill Prevents Pregnancy Up to 72 Hours?  

The pill that can prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse is called the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), commonly known as the "morning-after pill" or "Plan B."  

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) says that ECP is best used within three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. According to NCBI diagnosis, the sooner you take the ECP; the better it will work. 

One brand of emergency contraceptive pill available is Plan B One-Step. The pill contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg.  

According to WebMD, an approved health news center for the public, levonorgestrel can reduce your risk of pregnancy by up to 87% if you take it as directed within 72 hours after you've had unprotected sex. 

I must also mention here that emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. 

The pill is usually available over the counter and does not require a prescription or age restriction.  

To use the emergency contraceptive pill, you must follow the instructions provided with the specific brand or better still, consult a healthcare professional.  

Can Ampiclox Flush Out Sperm? 

No, Ampiclox cannot flush out sperm. Since it's an antibiotic medication that contains ampicillin and cloxacillin, Ampiclox only works to treat bacterial infections.  

Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the growth of bacteria, but it does not affect sperm or their mobility.  

Sperm are reproductive cells produced by the male body and are not affected by antibiotics like Ampiclox. 

Contrary to this fact, you may still see people who erroneously advocate using Ampiclox to prevent pregnancy. They wrongly believe it works as an emergency contraceptive, like Postinor 2. 

Key Takeaway 

While Ampiclox is a valuable medication for treating bacterial infections, it should not be used as a contraceptive method.  

  • Ampiclox efficacy in preventing pregnancy is nonexistent, and its misuse can lead to potential health risks such as antibiotic resistance and interference with other medications that have been administered into the body. 
  • When it comes to contraception, it's crucial to rely on established and scientifically proven methods such as the morning-after pill (Plan B) and Postinor 2. 
  • To prevent pregnancy, it is necessary to use contraceptive methods such as condoms, birth control pills, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) 
  • Make informed choices about your reproductive health and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. 

If you're looking to explore more options for your reproductive health, Outpost Health has got you covered with a comprehensive guide and an exciting opportunity to connect with healthcare providers worldwide.  

You can book consultations for as low as #1000! 

Remember, taking control of your sexual health involves responsible decision-making and choosing appropriate contraceptive methods that align with your individual needs and preferences. 

________________________________ 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding your specific situation and needs. 

FAQs 

Can Ampiclox interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills? 

Ampiclox does not have a direct impact on the effectiveness of most hormonal birth control methods, such as birth control pills. However, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential interactions between Ampiclox and your specific contraceptive method. 

Are there any risks to the developing fetus if Ampiclox is taken during pregnancy?

Ampiclox falls under the category B classification for pregnancy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating that animal studies have not shown any adverse effects on the fetus. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking Ampiclox or any other medication during pregnancy to assess the potential risks and benefits. 

Can Ampiclox cause any birth defects?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that Ampiclox causes birth defects. However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's advice and take medications only as prescribed to minimize any potential risks. 

Can Ampiclox affect fertility in women or men? 

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Ampiclox affects fertility in either women or men. However, if you have concerns about fertility or are experiencing difficulties conceiving, it is recommended to consult with a fertility specialist or your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. 

References: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8757572/ 

https://wikem.org/wiki/Drug_pregnancy_categories 

https://postinorpill.com/what-is-postinor/how-to-take-postinor/ 

https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/plan-b 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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