Meningitis refers to a bacterial or viral infection of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Specifically, meningitis affects the membranes and fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that cover the brain and spinal cord. The Mayo Clinic says meningitis symptoms include neck stiffness, a sudden and severe headache, high fever, confusion, vomiting, trouble concentrating and a skin rash.
Cefotaxime
Cefotaxime is a member of the cephalosporin group of medications. Drugs.com says it works to eliminate bacteria. Cefotaxime can treat such potentially life-threatening bacterial infections such as meningitis, but it can also be used as a prophylactic (protective) treatment to prevent any bacterial infections from developing after surgery.
Cefotaxime's common effects include pain, swelling, irritation or a lump formation at the injection site. Cefotaxime can also lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, vaginal itching or discharge a headache. Talk to a doctor when cefotaxime's common effects last for more than five to seven days.
Cefotaxime's serious effects include easy bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin, seizures, watery or bloody diarrhea and a fever. Abnormal bleeding or bruising results from low platelet levels because platelets are supposed to clot blood and prevent bleeding. Yellowing of the skin occurs, indicating liver damage. Cefotaxime also causes an irregular heartbeat, a headache and a red skin rash. Notify a doctor immediately when cefotaxime causes these effects.
An alteration in cefotaxime's dosage is necessary when suffering from diabetes, kidney or liver disease, a heart rhythm problem or any gastrointestinal disorders.
Drugs.com says cefotaxime is available as an injection given through the vein or muscle.
Ampicillin
Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic also used to treat such conditions as pneumonia, ear infections, bladder infections and salmonella infections.
Drugs.com says ampicillin's common effects include vomiting, nausea, vaginal itching or discharge, stomach pain and a white patch inside the mouth or throat. Call a doctor when ampicillin's common effects remain for more than six days.
Ampicillin's serious effects include confusion, agitation, fever, chills, abnormal bleeding or bruising, blistering of the skin, seizures, weakness and bloody or watery diarrhea. Call a doctor immediately when ampicillin causes these effects.
Avoid taking ampicillin if you're allergic to such medications as amoxicillin, carbenicin, penicillin or docloxacillin.
Ampicillin is available as a tablet that should be taken as a doctor indicates.
Gentamicin Sulfate
Gentamicin sulfate is an antibiotic medication that can also treat bacterial infections of the skin, bones, joint, lungs and urinary tract, says MedlinePlus. Its common effects include stomach problems, fatigue, vomiting and pale skin. Tell a physician when gentamicin sulfate's common effects persist for greater than six to seven days.
Gentamicin sulfate is available as an injection into such large muscles as the buttocks or hips. It can also be given through the vein, one to three times daily.
