What is the most important information I should know about Ampicillin?

• Take all of the Ampicillin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Do not break, chew, open, or crush the capsules. Swallow them whole.
• Ampicillin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Ampicillin to protect against pregnancy.

What is Ampicillin?

• Ampicillin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. Ampicillin fights bacteria in your body.
• Ampicillin is used to treat many different types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the intestines such as salmonella (food poisoning).
• Ampicillin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Ampicillin?

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take Ampicillin unless your doctor is aware of your allergy and monitors your therapy.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, stomach or intestinal disease, or infectious mononucleosis. You may not be able to take Ampicillin because of an increased risk of side effects.
• If you are a diabetic, some glucose urine tests may give false positive results while you are taking Ampicillin.
• Ampicillin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Ampicillin is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Ampicillin passes into breast milk. Rarely, Ampicillin may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing infant, although no serious harm is expected. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Ampicillin?

• Take Ampicillin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Ampicillin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Ampicillin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep the level in your blood high enough to treat the infection.
• Do not crush, chew, or open the Ampicillin capsules. Swallow them whole.
• Shake the liquid form of Ampicillin well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Take all of the Ampicillin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature and store the suspension in the refrigerator for longer use. The suspension is good for 7 days at room temperature and for 14 days if it is stored in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after this amount of time.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• If you have only missed one dose, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of an Ampicillin overdose include muscle spasms or weakness, pain or twitching, pain in the fingers or toes, loss of feeling in the fingers or toes, seizures, confusion, coma, and agitation.

What should I avoid while taking Ampicillin?

• Alcohol may irritate your stomach if taken with Ampicillin, so use it with moderation.

What are the possible side effects of Ampicillin?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ampicillin and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; hives; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
  • seizures;
  • severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps; or
  • unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ampicillin and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
  • white patches on the tongue (thrush/ yeast infection);
  • itching or discharge of the vagina (vaginal yeast infection); or
  • black, “hairy” tongue or sore mouth or tongue.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Ampicillin?

• Some drugs may decrease the effects of Ampicillin and prevent it from properly treating your infection. Before taking Ampicillin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); or
  • another antibiotic (for the same or for a different infection) such as erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), tetracycline (Sumycin, others), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, others), or any other.
• Ampicillin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Ampicillin to protect against pregnancy.
• Ampicillin increases the effects of methotrexate, and you may need a dose adjustment during therapy with Ampicillin.
• Ampicillin also increases the side effects of allopurinol (Zyloprim) and may cause a rash.
• Probenecid (Benemid) increases the effects of Ampicillin. These drugs may be used together for this purpose; however, be sure your doctor is aware if you are taking probenecid. You may need a lower dose of Ampicillin.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ampicillin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.