Capsules, oral suspension, injection (available only in hospitals)
Oral ampicillin is used to treat infections of the skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract (sinuses, tonsils, and lung) caused by certain bacteria known to be susceptible to this antibiotic. Injectable ampicillin is used to treat more serious infections in hospitalized patients.
Ampicillin blocks the formation of bacterial cell walls, rendering bacteria unable to multiply and spread.
Adults or children weighing more than 44 lbs (20 kg): 250 to 500 mg, 4 times a day. The dosage for smaller children must be adjusted according to weight.
Within 2 hours of oral dose.
6 to 8 hours with oral dose.
Should be taken on an empty stomach with plenty of water.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and direct light. Keep the suspension refrigerated, but do not allow it to freeze.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 60 to 90 minutes of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Take it as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy. Stopping the drug prematurely may slow your recovery or lead to a rebound infection, also known as superinfection, in which the heartier strains of bacteria survive and multiply, leading to a more serious and drug-resistant infection.
Therapy with ampicillin is usually completed within 7 to 10 days. Prolonged use may promote infection by bacteria resistant to the medication's effects (superinfection).
No special problems are expected.
No problems are expected.
No interactions are expected, but alcohol may dampen the immune system's response against infection and may increase the risk of stomach upset when taking this drug.
Ampicillin may be used during pregnancy under certain conditions. Consult your doctor for guidelines.
Ampicillin may pass into breast milk and cause problems in the nursing infant; avoid use while nursing.
No special problems are expected.
If severe diarrhea occurs as a side effect of this drug, do not take antidiarrheal medications; call your doctor. Oral contraceptives may not be effective while you are taking ampicillin; consider other methods of birth control. Those who are prone to asthma, hay fever, hives, or allergies may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to a penicillin antibiotic.
Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasticity, seizures.
Call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking aminoglycosides, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing medications, anticoagulants or other anticlotting drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfinpyrazone, cholestyramine, colestipol, oral contraceptives, methotrexate, probenecid, allopurinol, or rifampin.
Acidic fruits or juices can interfere with this drug's therapeutic effect.
Consult your doctor if you have a history of allergies, asthma, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders (especially colitis associated with the use of antibiotics), infectious mononucleosis, or impaired kidney function.
View Interactions
|
