Ampicillin Sodium

💊 What is Ampicillin Sodium used for?

• •Respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, H. influenzae, and Group A strep
• •Bacterial meningitis caused by E. coli, Group B strep, Listeria, and N. meningitidis
• •Septicemia (bloodstream infection) and endocarditis (infection of the heart lining) caused by susceptible bacteria
• •Gram-negative sepsis caused by E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Salmonella
• •Urinary tract infections caused by sensitive strains of E. coli and Proteus mirabilis
• •Gastrointestinal infections, including typhoid fever, Salmonella, and Shigella (dysentery)
• •Urethritis in males caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and gonorrhea-related gastrointestinal and genitourinary infections

How it works

The label describes ampicillin as an antibacterial agent with broad activity that is bactericidal, meaning it kills many susceptible bacteria. It is effective only against infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

How it is usually taken

• •This medicine is given by IV injection. The label is written for a pharmacy bulk package that is used to prepare IV mixtures, and it says the dose and schedule depend on the infection, the person's body weight, and age. The label says the injectable form is reserved for moderately severe and severe infections and for people who cannot take oral forms, and that a switch to oral ampicillin may be made when appropriate. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Dry powder for injection in a 10 gram Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle (ampicillin sodium equivalent to 10 grams of ampicillin per bottle)

⚠️ Ampicillin Sodium side effects

🛑 Who should not take Ampicillin Sodium, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have had a previous hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to any penicillin. The label lists this as a contraindication.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your care team about any past allergic reaction to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other medicines, including reactions to multiple allergens.
• •Tell your care team if you have a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or hives. The label says reactions are more likely in these people.
• •Tell your care team if you have infectious mononucleosis. The label says ampicillin is not recommended in these patients because it often causes a skin rash.
• •Tell your care team if you have kidney problems, since the label discusses removing the medicine by dialysis in people with reduced kidney function.
• •Tell your care team if you take allopurinol, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

🔀 Ampicillin Sodium with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Allopurinol: taking allopurinol with ampicillin increases the chance of skin rashes compared with taking ampicillin alone. The label says it is not known whether this is due to allopurinol or to high uric acid levels in these patients.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Ampicillin Sodium in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label lists this medicine as Pregnancy Category B. Animal reproduction studies at several times the human dose showed no evidence of harm, but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. The label says it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding

The label says ampicillin passes into human breast milk in trace amounts. Caution is advised when it is given to a nursing woman.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store the dry powder at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), as the label directs for controlled room temperature. The label notes the product is sterile, nonpyrogenic, and preservative-free.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says that in cases of overdose, the medicine should be stopped, the person treated for symptoms, and supportive measures used as needed. In people with kidney impairment, ampicillin-class antibacterials can be removed by hemodialysis but not by peritoneal dialysis.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Ampicillin Sodium

• Is my infection caused by bacteria that this medicine is known to treat?
• Do I have any history of penicillin or cephalosporin allergy?
• What signs of a serious allergic reaction should I watch for during treatment?
• What should I do if I develop watery or bloody diarrhea, even after I finish treatment?
• Should I switch to an oral form of this medicine when it is appropriate?
• Does my allopurinol or any other medicine I take affect how this drug works for me?
• How long will I need this treatment, and what follow-up tests will I need?

❓ Ampicillin Sodium: frequently asked questions