Ampicillin (am-pi-SIL-in)

Treats bacterial infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Ampicillin Novaplus, PremierPro Rx Ampicillin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, or through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator 1 hour before you need to use it and allow it to warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.
• If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear. Do not use the solution if you see particles in it.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how ampicillin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking allopurinol or probenecid.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you had an allergic reaction to any cephalosporin antibiotic. Tell your doctor if you have mononucleosis (mono), stomach or intestinal disease, asthma, liver disease, hay fever, or other allergies.
• Ampicillin may prevent birth control pills from working. Use another form of birth control while you are taking ampicillin.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV is located
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea or nausea
• Pain where your IM shot was given
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088