Sign inBefore taking ampicillin
Before taking ampicillin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you have glandular fever.
- If you have ever had allergies, or asthma, eczema or hay fever.
- If you know you are allergic to penicillins, or if you have had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How to take ampicillin
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take ampicillin exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose on an empty stomach (this means do not eat before taking your dose and leave an hour afterwards before eating).
- Take ampicillin at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, it is important to take the full course in order to prevent the infection from coming back.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day but do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you do not notice any improvement after completing your course of ampicillin, make an appointment to see your doctor.
- Some people develop thrush (redness and itchiness in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can ampicillin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. If the diarrhoea continues, becomes severe, or contains blood, speak to your doctor straight away |
| Skin rash | Let your doctor know as soon as possible as your treatment may need to be changed |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store ampicillin
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
- If you or your child have been given the suspension, this will have been made up by the pharmacy and lasts for 14 days. Store it in a refrigerator and do not use it after the expiry date.
Important information about all medicines
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