Home Page > Categories > Antibiotic / Infection > Ampicillin

Ampicillin

 

Ampicillin Review

brand names: D-Amp, Totacillin, Polycillin, Principen, Omnipen
generic name: Ampicillin

How does it work?

Penbritin capsules and injection contain the active ingredient ampicillin, which belongs to a group of antibiotics called penicillins. (NB. Ampicillin is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Ampicillin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. The injection is used to treat more serious infections, or in cases where the medicine can't be taken by mouth.

Ampicillin works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. The cell walls of bacteria are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering their cells and stop the contents of their cells from leaking out. Amoxicillin impairs the bonds that hold the bacterial cell wall together. This allows holes to appear in the cell walls and kills the bacteria.

Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills a wide variety of bacteria that cause a wide variety of commonly-occuring infections. Ampicillin may be used to treat infections of the airways, ears, nose and throat. It may also be used to treat urine infections, certain sexually-transmitted infections, and certain infections affecting the blood or internal organs.

To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to ampicillin your doctor should take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the throat or skin, or a urine or blood sample.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 6 to 8 hours between doses.

How to use Ampicillin :

Use Ampicillin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you miss a dose of Ampicillin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• To clear up your infection completely, use Ampicillin for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
• Take Ampicillin on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Ampicillin at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Take Ampicillin with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
• Take Ampicillin by mouth at least one-half hour before or 2 hours after eating.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ampicillin .

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Blood disorders
  
  
• Liver or kidney disorders
  
  
• Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis)
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Vomiting
  
  
• Diarrhoea
  
  
• Itching (pruritus)
  
  
• Rash
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What other drugs will affect ampicillin?

Before taking ampicillin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as Sumycin, Panmycin, or tetracycline (Brodspec, Vectrin), Solodyn, Minocin, minocycline (Dynacin, Vibramycin), Oracea, Doryx, doxycycline (Adoxa, demeclocycline (Declomycin), Tetracap).
• a sulfa drug (such as Bactrim or Septra); or
• probenecid (Benemid);
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
• allopurinol (Zyloprim);

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect ampicillin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use ampicillin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.