Ampicillin

What is Ampicillin?

Ampicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic prescribed for a wide variety of infections, including gonorrhea and other genital and urinary infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections, as well as meningitis (inflamed membranes of the spinal cord or brain).

What is the most important information I should know about Ampicillin?

If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking ampicillin. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication; and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and develop a skin reaction, diarrhea, shortness of breath, wheezing, sore throat, or fever, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately.

After you have taken ampicillin for a long time, you may get a new infection (called a superinfection) due to an organism this medication cannot treat. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or seem to get worse.

Ampicillin sometimes causes diarrhea. Some diarrhea medications can make the diarrhea worse. Check with your doctor before taking any diarrhea remedy.

Oral contraceptives may not work properly while you are taking ampicillin. For greater certainty, use other measures while taking this drug.

If you are diabetic, be aware that ampicillin may cause a false positive in certain urine glucose tests. You should talk to your doctor about the right tests to use while you are taking ampicillin.

Who should not take Ampicillin?

You should not take ampicillin if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Ampicillin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with ampicillin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes and need to do urine glucose tests or if you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Unless you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor will have you continue to take ampicillin for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms have disappeared. Dosages are for capsules and oral suspension. Children weighing over 44 pounds should follow the adult dose schedule. Children weighing 44 pounds or less should have their dosage determined by their weight.

Infections of the Genital, Urinary, or Gastrointestinal Tracts

Adults: The usual dose is 500 milligrams, taken every 6 hours.

Gonorrhea

Adults: The usual dose is 3.5 grams in a single oral dose along with 1 gram of probenecid

Respiratory Tract Infections

Adults: The usual dose is 250 milligrams, taken every 6 hours.

How should I take Ampicillin?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. It works best when there is a constant amount in the body. Take your doses at evenly spaced times around the clock, and try not to miss a dose.

Take ampicillin capsules with a full glass of water, a half hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The oral suspension should be shaken well before using.

What should I avoid while taking Ampicillin?

Avoid skipping doses or not completing the full course of treatment, since this decreases antibiotic effectiveness and may increase bacterial resistance.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Ampicillin?

If ampicillin is taken with certain other drugs the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining ampicillin with any of the following: allopurinol, atenolol, chloroquine, mefloquine, and oral contraceptives.

What are the possible side effects of Ampicillin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: colitis (inflammation of the bowel), diarrhea, fever, itching, nausea, rash or other skin problems, sore tongue or mouth, vomiting

Can I receive Ampicillin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of ampicillin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Ampicillin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the developing baby.

Ampicillin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ampicillin?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, and you take 2 doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 5 to 6 hours later. If you take 3 or more doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Ampicillin?

Store capsules at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep the oral suspension in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container. Discard the unused portion after 14 days.