When you or someone in your family has an infection and you go to see a doctor, you can give an ampicillin injection as an antibiotic. This is a very useful medicine that is often seen. However, like any medicine, there are a few things we need to be careful about when using it. So today, let's talk about this ampicillin injection in simple terms, in language that you can understand.
What is Ampicillin?
Simply put, ampicillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group . This medicine can kill certain types of bacteria that enter our bodies. This means that it is only used for bacterial infections.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that ampicillin is not a medicine that works against viruses. Therefore, it will not cure any viral infections that you may have, such as the common cold or flu.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medicine for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start treatment with ampicillin, it is important to tell your doctor the following information, as this information will determine the safety of your treatment.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ampicillin, penicillin, or other antibiotics, or to other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
- Kidney disease: Do you have any kidney-related conditions? If so, you should tell your doctor about it. Because the kidneys are directly involved in the process of removing drugs from the body.
- Pregnancy: Are you pregnant? Or are you hoping to have a baby in the near future?
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, also inform the doctor.
It is very important for your own safety to talk to your doctor without hiding these things.
How to use the medicine?
This medicine is usually given as an injection. It is injected into a muscle or infused into a vein . This is often done in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse.
However, in some cases, you may need to get the vaccine yourself at home. If so, you will be given proper training on how to prepare it and how to get the vaccine. It is very important to get the exact dose, at the exact time, as instructed by your doctor . Continue to get it until your doctor tells you to stop.
What do you do with used needles and syringes?
If you are getting injections at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a sharps container, which is very safe. If you don't have one, ask your doctor where you can get one.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time. If you miss your scheduled appointment, call your doctor immediately for advice. If you are taking the medicine at home, take the missed dose 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 a double dose.
Other drugs that may interact with ampicillin
Some other medications you are taking may interact with ampicillin. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter), herbal products, and vitamins you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
| Type of medicine | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Allopurinol | The risk of skin rashes may increase. |
| Birth control pills | Ampicillin can make birth control pills less effective, so talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control. |
| Some other antibiotics (e.g. Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline) | This antibiotic can interfere with the action of ampicillin. |
| Probenecid | This can increase the level of ampicillin in the body. |
Things to consider when undergoing treatment
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor.
- Serious skin infections: Some people may develop serious skin reactions, even after several weeks of using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash with a fever or a feverish feeling . These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Or, if you notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck/armpits, seek medical advice right away.
- Diarrhea: If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts for more than two days, or if you have bloody diarrhea, never self-medicate with over-the-counter medication. Call your doctor immediately.
- For people with diabetes: If you have diabetes, a urine sugar test while taking this medicine may give a false-positive result. So talk to your doctor about it.
- Birth control: As mentioned earlier, birth control pills may be less effective when taking this medication. So ask your doctor about an additional form of birth control.
Side effects
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Ampicillin is a medicine that is only given for bacterial infections . It is not useful for the common cold.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any allergies you have.
- If you develop severe skin infections (such as rashes with fever) or severe diarrhea, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be sure to use an additional form of birth control, as birth control pills may be less effective when taking this medication.
- Complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, without skipping any doses.
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