Also indexed as: Amficot®, Omnipen®, Principen®, Totacillin®.
Ampicillin is used to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections; it is a type of antibiotic called an aminopenicillin.
Ampicillin is used to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections; it is a type of antibiotic called an aminopenicillin. Ampicillin is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics. It is considered a penicillin and is a close relative of another penicillin, amoxicillin. Unlike penicillin, ampicillin and amoxicillin can penetrate and prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria, called gram-negative bacteria. Ampicillin is used mainly to treat infections of the middle ear, sinuses, bladder, kidney, and uncomplicated gonorrhea. It also is used intravenously to treat meningitis and other serious infections. Ampicillin was approved by the FDA in 1963. Ampicillin is considered safe during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Ampicillin is excreted in breast milk. No side effects have been reported in nursing infants whose mothers have taken ampicillin. Concern for side effects such as allergic reactions, of course, exist. Thus, physicians weigh the potential risk of allergy versus the benefits.
SIDE EFFECTS: Allergic reactions are relatively common side effects during therapy with any of the penicillins. These reactions can range from rashes to anaphylaxis, a severe condition in which there may be shock and even death. Rashes occur more frequently with ampicillin than with the other penicillins. The incidence of rash with ampicillin seems to be higher in patients with viral illnesses, such as mononucleosis. Patients with a history of allergic reaction to any other penicillin should not receive ampicillin. Persons who are allergic to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics which is more distantly related to the penicillins (e.g., Ceclor, Keflex, Cefzil) may or may not be allergic to penicillins.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are commonly reported gastrointestinal side effects during ampicillin therapy, but are rarely severe. Diarrhea appears to occur more frequently with ampicillin than with the other penicillins.
