Ampicillin: Uses, How it works, and Side Effects

Ampicillin is one of the antibiotics on the market today. It is used to treat and prevent bacterial infection and it is wise to know how to use this antibiotic properly so as to not incur some unfavorable side effects. Although there are some common side effects that come with taking ampicillin.

Read on to learn how to use ampicillin, how it works in the body, the side effects related to it, and also what to do when you take an overdose of ampicillin.

Here is a list of what you should expect in this post:

What is Ampicillin?

Ampicillin is a prescription antibiotic used to prevent and treat a number of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. It is used by mouth, and by injection into a muscle.

How does Ampicillin work?

Ampicillin is a type of antibiotic called penicillin. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. Ampicillin allows holes to appear in the bacterial cell walls and this kills the bacteria causing the infection. Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it kills a wide variety of different types of bacteria.

To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to ampicillin your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example, a swab from the throat, or a urine or sputum sample.

What are the uses of Ampicillin?

 Ampicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. These infections include ear infections, chest infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. It may also be used to prevent group B streptococcal in newborns.

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How should I take Ampicillin?

Before you take ampicillin, follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Ampicillin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy, and also a breastfeeding mother should not take ampicillin.

Read: Triamcinolone Acetonide: Review, Uses, and Side Effects

Here are the steps you should follow while taking this medication:

What happens when I miss a dose of Ampicillin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at a time.

What happens when I take an overdose of Ampicillin?

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, unusual change in the amount of urine, or seizures.

Can I take Ampicillin with other drugs?

Taking an ampicillin oral capsule with other medications, herbs, and vitamins might change the way the drug works, and it can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To avoid this, before using the medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the prescriptions, nonprescription and herbal products you may use especially tetracyclines, methotrexate, probenecid, and allopurinol.

Read: Ampiclox: Uses, How it works, and Side Effects

This document does not contain all the possible interactions ampicillin has with other medications. Therefore, before using ampicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use.

What precautions should I follow before taking Ampicillin?

There are some things you should take note of before taking ampicillin so that you do not have to experience severe problems after taking it. They are:

What side effects can ampicillin cause?

Common side effects:

Serious side effects:

If you experience any serious side effects, call your doctor right away. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Read: Apetamin: How Safe And Legal Is It, What Are The Effects?

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Important information

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