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
• 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? 

• This medicine is for injection into a muscle or a vein, or for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a  health care professional in  a hospital or clinic setting. 
• If you get this medicine at home,  you will be taught how  to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. 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. 
• It is important that you put  your used needles and syringes  in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can.  If you do not have  a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider  to get one. 
• Talk to your pediatrician regarding  the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed  for selected conditions, precautions do apply. 

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 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? 

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. 

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 
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth 
• seizures
• unusual bleeding or 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
• 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.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.