You may have also seen a doctor when you had a fever or a cold and were given an antibiotic. Ampicillin is a medicine that many of you have heard of and perhaps even used. So, although this is a very common medicine, it is very important to know about it and use it correctly. Today, let's talk about what Ampicillin is and what we need to be careful about when using it.
What exactly is Ampicillin?
Simply put, ampicillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group. Its main function is to destroy certain types of bacteria that enter our bodies and cause diseases.
The most important thing to remember here is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections. It does not cure viral illnesses like the common cold and flu. Therefore, it is not a good idea to buy this medicine from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, saying "it is difficult to swallow".
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing ampicillin, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Other medical conditions you have: It is especially important to mention them if you have kidney disease .
- Allergies: If you have ever had an allergy to ampicillin, penicillin, or any other antibiotic, food, or medicine, you should tell your doctor. Sometimes, you can also be allergic to certain preservatives.
- If you are pregnant: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to inform her about that as well.
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- How to drink: Drink this capsule thoroughly with a glass of water.
- Time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor prescribed.
- Before or after meals: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . That means at least 30 minutes before meals, or 2 hours after meals. That's when the medicine is properly absorbed into the body.
- Complete the course: This is the most important thing. If the doctor prescribes medicine for 5 days, do not stop taking the medicine just because the pain subsides in 2-3 days. Use the full course. Otherwise, the bacteria causing the disease may not be completely eliminated, and the disease may recur in a way that is resistant to the medicine.
What do you do when you give it to children?
This medicine is also prescribed for children. But only under the supervision of a doctor. The dosage given by the doctor should be given exactly as prescribed.
What if I take too much medicine (overdose) and miss a dose?
Imagine you have taken more medicine than you should have. If this happens, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Ampicillin can interact with other medications you are taking, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Type of medicine / substance | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Allopurinol | Taking ampicillin with this gout medication may increase the risk of skin damage. |
| Birth control pills | Birth control pills may be less effective while taking ampicillin. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control. |
| Certain antibiotics | The effectiveness of ampicillin may change with some antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol and erythromycin. |
| Probenecid | This medication delays the removal of ampicillin from the body. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, ampicillin can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea with blood or water. |
| Skin blisters or peeling | Skin redness, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth). This can occur even a few weeks after starting the medication. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, dizziness, seizures, difficulty swallowing, extreme fatigue. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Diarrhea | Normal bowel movements. |
| Nausea/vomiting | Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Never use or dispose of expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Ampicillin is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections . It does not work for the common cold or flu.
- Take the full dose of medicine prescribed by the doctor, until the prescribed time is up. Do not stop taking it halfway just because the pain has subsided.
- The best results are obtained by taking this medicine on an empty stomach .
- You should tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, especially kidney disease and allergies to penicillin.
- If you develop severe skin rashes, blisters, or severe stomach upset while taking the medication, see a doctor immediately.
- If you are using birth control pills, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control while taking ampicillin.
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