What is Ampicillin (Ampicillin) used for?

Ampicillin (Ampicillin) is an oral medication prescribed for the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections. It operates by slowing or preventing the reproduction of bacteria cells allowing the immune system to control or eliminate the infection. This medication is often prescribed for the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, infection affecting the blood, heart, stomach, intestines, abdomen, or bacterial endocarditis. It should be noted that this medicine is only used to treat bacterial infections and will not be effective against fungus or a virus. Your physician may prescribe it to be used along with others or for the treatment of other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Ampicillin (Ampicillin)?

Ampicillin (Ampicillin) should always be used exactly as directed by your physician to ensure the safest and most effective results from treatment. One capsule may be administered up to four times each day for a cycle of medication lasting one or two weeks depending on the patient's age, weight, current health, the condition being treated, and the severity of the symptoms. These should be swallowed with a full glass of water and may be with or without food. You are recommended to eat a meal before use if you experience nausea and to drink plenty of fluids. Do not open the capsules or dissolve their contents in water as this may destroy their contents or alter their effects. Do not stop using the medicine before being instructed to, even if your symptoms seem to have disappeared, as the infection may not be gone and can return stronger or more resistant to treatment. Ask your pharmacist or physician any questions you have about using the medicine to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Ampicillin (Ampicillin)?

Some patients using Ampicillin (Ampicillin) may experience side effects such as:

• Mild headaches
• Upset stomach
• Nausea or vomiting
• Oral thrush

Contact your physician as soon as possible if any worrying or intense side effects occur including fever, flu symptoms, severe headaches, easier bruising, severe diarrhea that is bloody or watery, anxiety, agitation, urinary retention, or seizures. These conditions may require reduced dosages, reduced frequency of administration, or immediate medical attention in serious or life threatening cases to prevent further health complications from occurring.

Please Note

Ampicillin (Ampicillin) should not be used by patients who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporin antibiotics, or who have had a bad reaction to similar medications in the past. You are also suggested to disclose if you have a history of allergies, suspected glandular fever, chronic lymphoid leukemia, or reduced kidney function as these conditions may cause unexpected problems requiring special alterations to your treatment.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Ampicillin (Ampicillin). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.