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General Medication Fact Sheet for Ampicillin
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Ampicillin |
| Generic Name | Ampicillin |
| Boxed/Label Warning | None |
| Purpose | Antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis |
| Dosage Forms | Capsules, oral suspension, injection |
| Available Strengths | 250 mg, 500 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Every 6 to 8 hours, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing), persistent diarrhea, kidney problems |
| Drug Interactions | Probenecid, allopurinol, methotrexate, certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline) |
| Important Notes | Take on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals; complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better |
| Storage | Store capsules at room temperature away from moisture and light. Refrigerate oral suspension. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Cephalexin, Azithromycin |
Ampicillin Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis | Similar to ampicillin, often preferred for its better absorption. |
| Penicillin | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis | A narrow-spectrum antibiotic. |
| Cephalexin (Keflex) | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis | A cephalosporin antibiotic, often used for skin and soft tissue infections. |
| Azithromycin (Zithromax) | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis | A macrolide antibiotic, useful for patients with Penicillin allergies. |
Ampicillin Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Vomiting | Persistent diarrhea (C. difficile infection) |
| Diarrhea | Kidney problems |
| Abdominal pain | Seizures (rare) |
| Headache | Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) |
Ampicillin Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Tract Infections | 250-500 mg | 250-500 mg every 6 hours | Take on an empty stomach. |
| Urinary Tract Infections | 500 mg | 500 mg every 6 hours | Take on an empty stomach. |
| Skin and Soft Tissue Infections | 250-500 mg | 250-500 mg every 6 hours | Take on an empty stomach. |
