A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ampicillin

Brand Names

; Marcillin® ; Omnipen® ; Omnipen®-N ; Polycillin-N® ; Principen®

Foreign Brand Names

; Ampicin®[Sodium] (Canada) ; Anglopen (Mexico) ; Apo-Ampi®[Trihydrate] (Canada) ; Binotal (Mexico) ; Dibacilina (Mexico) ; Flamicina (Mexico) ; Jaa Amp®[Trihydrate] (Canada) ; Lampicin (Mexico) ; Marovilina® (Mexico) ; Nu-Ampi [Trihydrate] (Canada) ; Pentrexyl (Mexico) ; Pro-Ampi®[Trihydrate] (Canada) ; Sinaplin (Mexico) ; Taro-Ampicillin®[Trihydrate] (Canada)

Therapeutic Categories

Antibiotic, Penicillin

Reasons not to take this medicine

If you have allergy to other penicillins, ampicillin, or any other part of the medicine.
If you have an allergy to another related antibiotic called a cephalosporin, talk with healthcare provider.

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial infections.

How does it work?

Ampicillin makes the cell wall (skin) of the bacteria leaky and kills the bacteria.

How is it best taken?

To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Take with food if medicine causes an upset stomach.
A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection more difficult to treat.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Birth control pills may not work. Use another form of birth control while taking this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
Rash.
Vaginal irritation. Report itching or discharge to healthcare provider.

What should I monitor?

If you are diabetic, this medication may interfere with Clinitest®. Use another method of urine glucose testing like Clinistix® or Tes-Tape®.
Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Fever and/or chills.
Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

The refrigerator is best for storage of liquid (suspension). Throw away if medicine is not used in 2 weeks. Can store at room temperature but only good for 7 days.
Store capsules in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).