Ampicillin (Ampicillin)

Do's

• Take ampicillin by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours). 
• Take ampicillin on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, with a full glass of water. 
• Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. 
• Take ampicillin at evenly spaced times for the best effect and take it at the same time(s) every day to help remember. 
• Continue taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition persists or worsens. 
• Take a dose as soon as you remember if you forget to take it. 
• Administer ampicillin orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Prefer parenteral administration for severe or moderately severe infections. 
• Follow all directions on the prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. 
• Use the medicine exactly as directed. 
• Consult your healthcare provider for additional medical advice if you have any concerns or questions about the medication. 

Don'ts

• Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose. 
• Do not use the oral route as the initial therapy in life-threatening conditions; parenteral administration is preferable for severe or moderately severe infections. 

The dosage of ampicillin is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. 

Common side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Inform your healthcare provider if these symptoms are severe or do not improve.

Allergic Reactions: 

• In rare cases, Ampicillin may cause severe allergic reactions, including:
• Itching
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Wheezing

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Ampicillin and seek immediate medical attention.

Other Potential Side Effects:

• Eosinophilia
• Skin rash
• Pruritus
• Exanthema
• Gastrointestinal effects such as watery or bloody stools 

Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. In case of a severe side effect or reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Before taking Ampicillin, inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to it or any similar antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, or penicillin.

Ampicillin can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, seek medical help immediately if you develop any rash, as it could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.

Before taking Ampicillin disclose to your healthcare provider all other medications you are currently using, as well as any other medical conditions you may have.

Ampicillin may interact with other drugs, potentially decreasing their effectiveness. Discuss all possible interactions with your healthcare provider. For example, ampicillin has been reported to make oral contraceptives less effective, and it may interact with other medications such as probenecid and methotrexate.

Ampicillin is considered safe during pregnancy, but it is excreted in breast milk and may cause diarrhea or allergic responses in nursing infants. If ampicillin is used during pregnancy, the potential benefit for the mother should be weighed against the potential risk of side effects in the infant.

Follow all directions on the medicine label and package. If you have any concerns or questions about the warnings and precautions associated with Ampicillin, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance and medical advice.