Specification | |
US Brand Name | Omnipen |
Strength | 500 mg |
Generic Name | Ampicillin |
Manufacturer | Cadila |
Pharmaceutical Form | Capusles |
What is Ampicillin?
Ampicillin is an antibiotic drug that belongs to a group of
antibiotics called penicillin, the first ever antibiotic drugs ever made in the
history of mankind. It is a potent antibiotic against various bacterial
infections such as infections of the ear and bladder, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and
E. Coli or Salmonella infection. Ampicillin is sold and marketed as Omnipen,
Campicillin (made by Cadila) and various other trade names across different
countries.
Important Information about Ampicllin
Do not take Ampicillin antibiotic medication (Omnipen,
Campicillin) if you are allergic to it or to other penicillin antibiotic drugs
such as amoxicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, or penicillin, and others. Prior
to taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you are allergic to it or to
cephalosporin antibiotics such as Cefaclor, Cefuroxime Axetil, Cephalexin,
Cefadroxil, and others, or if you have asthma, kidney disease, a bleeding or
blood clotting disorder, mononucleosis (also known as 'mono'), or a history of
any type of allergy.
Ampicillin is an FDA pregnancy category B drug which means that
it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby if taken while being
pregnant. However, you must let your doctor know in advance if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant. This medication can make birth control pills less
effective. Ask your doctor about using other forms of contraception (non
hormonal such as condom, spermicide, or diaphragm) if you use birth control
regularly. Ampicillin can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not
use this medication without your doctor's advice if you are nursing a baby.
You must complete the full course of Ampicillin antibiotic
medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Symptoms usually improve before the
infection is completely cleared from your body. Not completing the antibiotic
course can cause a drug resistant infection which is difficult to treat with
common antibiotics. Ampicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the
common cold or flu.
Before taking Ampicillin
Remember that Ampicillin is a prescription medicine and
available only with a doctor's prescription. You must consult a doctor before
taking Ampicillin to be absolutely sure that this medicine is safe for you.
Remember to take care of all precautions listed above and discuss them with
your doctor.
How should I take Ampicillin?
All medications including Ampicillin must be taken exactly as
prescribed by the doctor or as mentioned on the medication label or as per the
instructions in the patient leaflet that comes along with the medication.
Always store this medication in a cool and dry place
What If I miss a dose of Ampicillin?
In case you miss a dose of Ampicillin, take it the instant you
remember it. However, skip the missed dose if the time for the next scheduled
dose is near. Taking extra medicine to make up for the missed dose can be
harmful.
What if I overdose?
Overdose of any medication can be harmful. If you overdose on
Ampicillin, call the Doctor immediately. Overdose symptoms include nausea,
vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, skin rash, drowsiness, and hyperactivity.
What should I avoid while taking Ampicillin?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. Do not use any diarrhea
medication without asking your doctor. Follow any other restrictions on food,
drugs, or activities as advised by your doctor
Ampicillin Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of
Ampicillin (Omnipen, Campicillin). If any of these effects continue for a
longer time or deteriorate, contact your doctor immediately. Ampicillin may
rarely cause serious side effects such as persistent/bloody diarrhea
(Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea), dark urine, persistent
nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, easy
bruising/bleeding, new signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat), or
unusual tiredness. Information on side effects of Ampicillin is not a complete
one in this guide. There may be other side effects.
Ampicillin Dosing Information
You must follow the exact dosage of Ampicillin as fixed by your
doctor. Do not alter it under any circumstances without your doctor's advice.
Interaction with other drugs
You must share in advance with your doctor, the list of all
medications which you may be using, especially these ones: allopurinol,
probenecid, blood thinner such as warfarin, and another antibiotic (for the
same or a different infection). These drugs may interact with Ampicillin.
However, this is incomplete information as mentioning all the details here is
out of scope for this guide. There may be other medications. Never start a new
medication with consulting a doctor.