What condition is treated with Ampicillin and an aminoglycoside for 2 weeks?

Prepare for the Emergency Medicine End of Rotation Exam. Boost your confidence using quizzes with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with targeted preparation!

The correct answer is that Ampicillin combined with an aminoglycoside is used for the treatment of pyelonephritis. This condition is an infection of the kidney often caused by ascending bacterial infections from the lower urinary tract. The combination therapy is especially effective in severe cases or when the infection is due to certain types of bacteria that may be resistant to other antibiotics.

Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that treats a range of bacterial infections, while aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, provide enhanced coverage against potentially resistant Gram-negative organisms that could be responsible for more complicated or severe urinary tract infections. Using both in tandem helps to ensure effective coverage and is especially important in cases of pyelonephritis where the bacteria may have a higher resistance profile.

The other conditions listed—prostatitis, urethritis, and orchitis—would typically not be treated with this particular combination unless there are specific complications or co-existing severe infections. Treatment regimens for those conditions usually involve different antibiotics based on the causative organisms and the location of the infection.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy