Myhealthcare Drugs & Supplement Post

Introduction


Ampicillin is an antibiotic used to prevent and treat a number of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, salmonellosis, and endocarditis. It may also be used to prevent group B streptococcal infection in newborns. It is used by mouth, by injection into a muscle, or intravenously. Like all antibiotics, it is not useful for the treatment of viral infections.

Common side effects include rash, nausea, and diarrhea. It should not be used in people who are allergic to penicillin. Serious side effects may include Clostridium difficile colitis or anaphylaxis. While usable in those with kidney problems, the dose may need to be decreased. Its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding appears to be generally safe.

Note: Before you take this drug


You should not use ampicillin if you are allergic to ampicillin or any similar antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Moxatag, and others), dicloxacillin, nafcillin, or penicillin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:


  •     diabetes;
  •     hay fever (seasonal allergy);
  •     asthma;
  •     diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics;
  •     kidney disease; or
  •     an allergy to a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.


Ampicillin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

You should not breast-feed while using ampicillin.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Prescription on how to take Ampicillin


Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
  • Take ampicillin on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
  • Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
  • If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.
  • If you use this medicine long-term, your kidney function, liver function, and blood cells may need to be checked.
  • Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ampicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
  • Very severe infections may need to be treated for several weeks.
  • Ampicillin can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ampicillin.
  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Side effect of Ampicillin


Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:


  •     severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
  •     blisters, ulcers, or soreness in your mouth;
  •     skin rash, redness, or itching;
  •     fever, chills, sore throat, swollen glands, joint pain, or not feeling well;
  •     pale skin, cold hands and feet; or
  •     feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:


  •     nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
  •     rash;
  •     swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue; or
  •     vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.