Ampicillin (Penicillin)

Common Use

Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the aminopenicillin group. Its mechanism of action is anti-bacterial and consists in the inhibition of construction of bacteria cell walls sensitive to Ampicillin. It is not destroyed in the acidic content of the stomach and is easily absorbed. Ampicillin is active against gram-positive microorganisms and also some gram-negative ones (such as salmonella, shigella, proteus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, formerly called Pfeiffer's bacillus) and is used for the treatment of diseases caused by mixed bacteria. Microorganisms producing penicillinase are resistant to Ampicillin. This medication is used to treat pneumonia and other infectious diseases of the respiratory, urogenital, and gastrointestinal systems.

Dosage and Directions

Take exactly as prescribed. Ampicillin capsules should be taken with a full glass of water, a half-hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Precautions

If you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, contact your doctor before taking this drug. This medication may cause diarrhea, so inform your doctor if you experience it before taking any drug for diarrhea. Ampicillin may show a false positive result on certain urine glucose tests. If you have taken Ampicillin for a long time and it may appear ineffective in your body due to a so-called superinfection, inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Ampicillin. Caution should be exercised if there is liver failure, asthma, or hay fever.

Possible Side Effects

• Colitis
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Itching
• Nausea
• Rash
• Sore tongue or mouth
• Vomiting

Drug Interaction

Ampicillin enhances the effect of orally taken medications that prevent blood clot formation. This medication may interfere with the effectiveness of certain oral contraceptives.

Missed Dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If you take this medication twice daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take the next dose 5-6 hours later. If you take the drug thrice daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and take the next dose in 2-4 hours.

Overdose

If you suspect that you have taken too much Ampicillin and experience symptoms of allergy (such as hives or rash), contact your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.