Indications
- Ampicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
- It functions by halting the growth of bacteria.
- Specifically effective against bacterial infections; ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- Using antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to reduced efficacy for future infections.
Dosage and administration
- Take ampicillin orally, as prescribed by your doctor, typically 4 times a day (every 6 hours).
- Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) with a full glass of water.
- Stay well-hydrated unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Dosage determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Maintain a consistent schedule for optimal effectiveness; take at the same time(s) daily.
- Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve early; stopping early may lead to infection recurrence.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of ampicillin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth/tongue sores.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- The medication is prescribed because the benefits are considered greater than the risk of side effects.
- Serious side effects may include persistent nausea or vomiting, unrelenting sore throat or fever, dark urine, abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, and easy bruising or bleeding.
- Ampicillin may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (C. difficile) with symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, and blood/mucus in stool; seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
- Avoid anti-diarrhea or opioid products if you experience these symptoms, as they may worsen the condition.
- Prolonged or repeated use may lead to oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection; contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth or changes in vaginal discharge.
- A severe allergic reaction is rare but requires immediate medical help; symptoms include rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
- Ampicillin may cause a mild rash; seek medical help if any rash develops, as it could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
- This is not an exhaustive list of side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any other observed effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to ampicillin, penicillin, cephalosporin antibiotics, or other relevant allergies.
- Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have kidney disease or a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis).
- Ampicillin may impact the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (such as the typhoid vaccine); inform your healthcare professional before undergoing immunizations/vaccinations.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects when using this drug.
- Use ampicillin during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary and discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Ampicillin can pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.