Ampicillin capsule
What is this medicine?
AMPICILLIN is a combination penicillin antibiotic. It kills or stops the growth of some bacteria. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of infections, like urinary, respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and bone infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
What should my health care professional know before I use this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- bowel disease, like colitis
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizures disorder
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ampicillin, other penicillins or antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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.
What may interact with this medicine?
- allopurinol
- birth control pills
- chloroquine
- methotrexate
- probenecid
- some other antibiotics like erythromycin, tetracycline
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery. This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose tests. If you use such tests, talk with your health care professional. Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- dark urine
- fever
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- pain when swallowing
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- seizures
- unusual bleeding, bruising
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- sore mouth, tongue
- stomach upset
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.