Ampicillin Oral 

What is this medicine? 

AMPICILLIN (am pi SILL in)  is a penicillin antibiotic. It is  used to treat certain kinds of bacterial  infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
  
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider  or pharmacist if you have questions. 

What  should I tell my health care provider before I take  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 glass of water.  Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon  or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if  you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate.  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 your 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 (less than 6 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Extra doses will not take away chest pain. 

What may interact with this medicine? 

• allopurinol
• birth control pills 
• chloroquine
• methotrexate
• probenecid
• some other antibiotics like erythromycin, tetracycline 

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give  your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs,  or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. 

What should I watch for while using 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 receiving this medicine? 

Side effects that  you should report to your doctor 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 doctor 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Where should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out of the reach of children.