Hospitals
Medical Offices/Clinics
Interactive Map
Physician Publications
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.
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.
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
allopurinol
birth control pills
chloroquine
methotrexate
probenecid
some other antibiotics like erythromycin, tetracycline
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Keep out of the reach of children.
After this medicine is mixed by your pharmacist, store it in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.
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
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.