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Ampicillin
Generic name: ampicillin (oral) [ am-pi-SIL-in ]
Dosage form: oral capsule (250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class: Aminopenicillins
What is ampicillin?
Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat or prevent many different types of infections
such as bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, meningitis, or infections of the stomach or
intestines.
Ampicillin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Ampicillin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last
dose);
• fever, chills, sore throat, swollen glands, joint pain, or not feeling well;
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Ampicillin Uses, Side Effects & Warnings https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ampicillin.html
• rash;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice
about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about
all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
• diabetes;
• asthma;
• kidney disease; or
Ampicillin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth
control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.
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Ampicillin Uses, Side Effects & Warnings https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ampicillin.html
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or
use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Take ampicillin on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another
sexually transmitted disease.
If you use this medicine long-term, your kidney function, liver function, and blood cells may need to be
checked.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ampicillin will not
treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Ampicillin can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that
you are using ampicillin.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in
use.
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Ampicillin Uses, Side Effects & Warnings https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ampicillin.html
that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines
with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to
your personal circumstances.
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