Ampicillin is a prescription indicated for the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections such as:

• Otitis media
• Sinusitis
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections

This medication helps to stop the growth and spread of bacteria. This only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections such as flu and the common cold. Using any medications for bacterial infections when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

Otitis media is an ear infection which is the air-filled space behind the eardrum. It contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely to be affected by this infection than adults.  The onset signs and symptoms of ear infection are usually rapid such as:

• Tugging or pulling at an ear
• Ear pain especially when lying down
• Crying more than usual trouble sleeping
• Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
• Headache

Sinusitis happens when the spaces inside your nose and head are swollen and inflamed. It may take up to 3 months or longer despite treatment. This condition interferes with the way mucus usually drains and makes your nose stuffy. Breathing through your nose may be difficult and the area around your eyes might feel swollen or tender.

Bronchitis is a swelling of the lining of your bronchial tubes that carries air to and from your lungs. People with this condition often cough up thickened mucus that can be discolored. This disease can be either acute or chronic. Some signs and symptoms of this condition may include:

• Fatigue
• Cough
• Slight fever and chills
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Production of mucus which can be white, clear, yellowish-gray, or green

Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with or pus. That it causes sought with phlegm or pus, chills, fever, and difficulty breathing. This condition can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than 65, and those with health problems or weakened immune systems.

Urinary tract infection is caused by microbes such as bacteria overcoming the body’s defenses in the urinary tract. This can affect the bladders, kidneys, and the tubes that run between them. Women are at greater risk of developing than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be annoying and painful. Urinary tract infections signs and symptoms may include:

• A burning sensation when urinating
• A strong persistent urge to urinate
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Strong-smelling urine
• Urine that appears red or cola-colored which is a sign of blood in the urine

Ampicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is supplied as capsules for oral use. Each capsule is available in the dosage forms of 250 mg and 500 mg that contain an active ingredient of Ampicillin.

How does Ampicillin work?

Ampicillin works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. This drug allows holes to appear in the bacterial cell walls. Therefore, it kills the bacteria causing the infection. Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills a wide variety of different types of bacteria.

This medication will begin to work straight away and your child should start to get better after taking it for 2 days. They must take the whole course of medicine that has been prescribed.

How to use Ampicillin?

The prescribed dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. You must take this medication exactly as it is given by your doctor. You should not take less or more often than the prescription. Your doctor may direct you to start at a lower dose and eventually increase it.

Ampicillin is to be taken by mouth usually 4 times a day every 6 hours or as directed by your doctor. Take each dose on an empty stomach, an hour before or two hours after a meal. It is important to continue taking this even if you feel well. Do not suddenly stop taking Ampicillin without the consent of your doctor. To help you remember, take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, chew, or crush it. Drink plenty of fluids while having this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Doing so may lessen the risk of certain side effects. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. Inform your doctor if your condition gets worse or does not improve.

What are the side effects of Ampicillin?

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Tongue or mouth sores
• Swollen, black, or hairy tongue
• Thrush (white patches inside your mouth or throat)

Call your doctor if this happens:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Dark urine
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Persistent sore throat or fever

Warnings and Precautions

• Before using Ampicillin, inform your doctor if you have any medical history especially of kidney disease or infectious mononucleosis.
• This medication may cause live bacterial vaccines to not work as well. Do not have any vaccinations or immunizations while using Ampicillin.
• This should not be taken by people with kidney problems and with suspected glandular fever and acute or chronic lymphoid leukemia.
• Let your doctor know if you ever had an allergic reaction to this drug. Tell as well if you have any allergies.
• Do not share this with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while taking ampicillin, call your doctor right away.
• You should not use this product to treat other conditions or infections without the consent of your doctor.
• Keep this at room temperature far from heat and moisture.