Ampicillin, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: ampicillin, oral; Principen

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It is taken by mouth to treat infections caused by bacteria. It will not cure infections caused by viruses, such as colds and the flu.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before you take this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicines
• asthma, hay fever, or other allergies
• bleeding problems
• kidney disease.
• mononucleosis
• phenylketonuria (PKU). The liquid or chewable tablets may contain aspartame.

Females of childbearing age: Birth control pills may be less effective while you are taking this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are using birth control pills. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better. You may have to take this medicine for 10 days or more, especially for serious infections.

Penicillins usually work best when taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Follow your healthcare provider's directions.

If you are taking a liquid form of this medicine, shake it well before pouring. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Household spoons are not always accurate.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.

Do not use this medicine for other infections unless your healthcare provider approves.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause or worsen diarrhea. If you develop severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 or 3 days while taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not treat yourself. Some diarrhea medicine will make your diarrhea worse.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe or bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, swelling, weakness, wheezing, trouble urinating, bloody urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Other: Discolored or sore tongue, mild diarrhea, mild stomach upset, vaginal itching or discharge, white patches in your mouth or throat.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• allopurinol (Zyloprim, Lopurin)
• birth control pills (talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control)
• disulfiram (Antabuse)
• methotrexate
• probenecid
• other antibiotics such as tetracycline (Achromycin V, Sumycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx), minocycline (Minocin), and oxytetracycline (Terramycin).
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

If you have the liquid, store the container in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Do not use after the expiration date on the label (14 days). If the liquid is kept at room temperature, discard it after 7 days.

Tablets or capsules may be kept at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.