Sulvacil Adverse Reactions

Skin rashes are among the most common adverse effects and are generally either urticarial or maculopapular; the urticarial reactions are typical of penicillin hypersensitivity, while the erythematous maculopapular eruptions are characteristic of ampicillin and amoxicillin and often appear more than 7 days after commencing treatment. Such rashes may be due to hypersensitivity to the beta-lactam moiety or to the amino group in the side-chain, or to a toxic reaction. The occurrence of a maculopapular rash during ampicillin use does not necessarily preclude the subsequent use of other penicillins.
However, since it may be difficult in practice to distinguish between hypersensitive and toxic responses, skin testing for hypersensitivity may be advisable before penicillin is used in patients who have had ampicillin rashes. Most patients with infectious mononucleosis develop a maculopapular rash when treated with ampicillin, and patients with other lymphoid disorders such as lymphatic leukemia, and possibly those with HIV infection, also appear to be at higher risk. More serious skin reactions may occur and erythema multiforme associated with ampicillin has occasionally been reported.
Gastrointestinal adverse effects, particularly diarrhea and nausea and vomiting, occur quite often, usually after oral use. Pseudomembranous colitis has also been reported.