Drug Name

Ampicillin

Drug Uses

Ampicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs. It fights bacteria in your body. Ampicillin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E. coli or salmonella infection.

How Taken

Use Ampicillin as directed by your doctor.

• Take Ampicillin by mouth at least one-half hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Take Ampicillin with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
• Take Ampicillin on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Ampicillin at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• To clear up your infection completely, use Ampicillin for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria by interfering with formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing. This weakens the cell wall and it ruptures resulting in the death of the bacteria.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Ampicillin and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Ampicillin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Ampicillin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Ampicillin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ampicillin or any other penicillin antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin).

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a stomach infection, diarrhea, or mononucleosis ("mono")
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to a cephalosporin antibiotic (eg, cephalexin) or other beta-lactam antibiotic (eg, imipenem)
  
  Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ampicillin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
  • Tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline) because they may decrease Ampicillin 's effectiveness
  • Allopurinol because the risk of skin rash may be increased
  • Anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin) or methotrexate because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Ampicillin
  • Aminoglycosides or birth control pills because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ampicillin

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Inflammation and redness of the tongue; irritation of mouth or throat; mild diarrhea; nausea; second infection; vomiting.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; severe diarrhea; stomach pain/cramps; vaginal irritation or discharge.

More Information

If you have any questions about Ampicillin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Ampicillin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.