Ampicillin
Brand Names
Principen, Totacillin, Omnipen, Omnipen-N, Totacillin-NWhat is Ampicillin
Ampicillin is an antibiotic that is prescribed for treating many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea and E. coli or salmonella infection. It refers to the penicillin group of drugs and works by killing bacteria in your body. Ampicillin is available as a capsule, liquid and pediatric drops.
Side effects of Ampicillin
Side effects of Ampicillin include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- headache;
- swollen, black or 'hairy' tongue;
- thrush (white patches or inside your mouth or throat).
But if you have any of these serious symptoms it is strongly recommended to visit your doctor immediately:
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash;
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
- urinating less than usual or not at all;
- agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
- seizure (black-out or convulsions).
Indication
Ampicillin is prescribed for treating many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea and E. coli or salmonella infection.
Precautions
Before taking Ampicillin you should inform your doctor if you have:
- asthma;
- kidney disease;
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- mononucleosis (also called 'mono');
- a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics;
- a history of any type of allergy.
Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dosage forms
Ampicillin is usually taken every 6 hours (4 times a day) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. Follow your doctor's directions.
