Ampicillin

Generic Name: Ampicillin
US Brand Names: Omnipen-N, Ampicillin, Polycillin-N, Ampicillin Trihydrated
Other Brand/Trade Names: Ampicillin is sold under different brand names worldwide, including: Omnipen, Polycillin, Ampicillin, Principen, Amficot, Marcillin, Totacillin, Totacillin-N.

Uses

Ampicillin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, etc.

Active Ingredients: Ampicillin sodium or Ampicillin trihydrate
Inactive Ingredients: Capsules contain: black iron oxide, gelatin, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #40, lactose monohydrate, silica gel, and titanium dioxide. Powder for injection contains: lecithin, carboxymethylcellulose, povidone, methylparaben, propylparaben.
Powder for reconstitution in oral suspension contains: antifoam AF emulsion, Atmos 300, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red #40, lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, sucrose, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, and vanillin.

Dosage and Forms

Ampicillin can be found in form of capsules, powder for injection or powder for reconstitution.
Take Ampicillin capsules by mouth with full glass of water at least one-half hour before or 2 hours after eating, as schedulled by your doctor. Do not crush, crew or chew pills, swalow them the whole.
Symptoms of Ampicillin overdose may include the following: confusion, behavior changes, a severe skin rash, urinating less than usual, diarrhea, nausea, seizure, or convultions. If the overdose is suspected contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.

Contraindications and Precautions

Ampicillin should be avoided by patients who have asthma, kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, mononucleosis (also called "mono"), a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics. Besides, Ampicillin, should be carefully used in pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Side Effects

Ampicillin may cause the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, vaginal itching or discharge, headache, swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue, or thrush.

Interactions

Ampicillin should be avoided to be taken along with the following: amoxicillin, carbenicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, allopurinol, oral contraceptives.