Ampicillin

About Ampicillin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

It is used to treat bacterial infections, such as infections of the chest and ear, by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. It can also be used to prevent infections occurring in high-risk patients.

Ampicillin is available in capsule, oral liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Penbritin; Rimacillin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Ampicillin

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from a blood disorder
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you have glandular fever, leukaemia or a virus called cytomegalovirus
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Ampicillin

• Take Ampicillin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take this medicine at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. It is important to take the full course, even if you feel your infection has cleared up, to prevent the infection coming back.
• Take Ampicillin an hour before food or on an empty stomach.
• If you notice no improvement after completing your course of Ampicillin make an appointment to see your doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Ampicillin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Ampicillin is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Ampicillin.
• Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Important: Oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with Ampicillin. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are taking Ampicillin and for at least 7 days after the course of treatment has ended. If the week following the antibiotic course runs into your pill free week, the next pack of oral contraceptives should be started immediately, without a break. If you are taking the form of contraceptive pill which is taken every day or need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Ampicillin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), diarrhoea, tummy pains.

Important: If you experience a skin rash, itching, fever (high temperature), joint pains, swelling of the tongue, throat or face; stop taking Ampicillin and contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Ampicillin

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Any more questions?

If you have any more questions about this or any other medicine your pharmacist will be able to answer them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 03/02/2005