Ampicillin

Ampicillin

(am pi SIL in)

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Ampi®; Novo-Ampicillin; Nu-Ampi

Mexican Brand Names

Alphapen; Amsapen; Binotal; Brupen; Dibacilina; Flamicina; Marovilina; Omnipen; Penbritin; Pentrexyl; Promecilina

Pharmacologic Category

Antibiotic, Penicillin

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to ampicillin, any penicillin, or any other part of this medicine.

• 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

How does it work?

• Ampicillin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

All forms:

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

Oral:

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum, or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

• For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are diabetic, this medicine may interfere with Clinitest®. Use another method of urine glucose testing like Clinistix® or Tes-Tape®.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea, even after medicine is stopped.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store capsules at room temperature.

• Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion of after 2 weeks if refrigerated. Throw away any unused portion after 1 week if stored at room temperature.

• Follow directions for storage of injection. Talk with healthcare provider.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 10:39:59.0

Modified: 2009-05-13 12:08:10.0

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