Ampicillin

Brand name: Albercilin
Pronounced: AM-pi-sill-in
Brand name: Principen
Why is Albercilin prescribed?

Albercilin is a penicillin-like antibiotic prescribed for a wide variety of infections, including gonorrhea and other genital and urinary infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections, as well as meningitis (inflamed membranes of the spinal cord or brain).
Most important fact about Albercilin

If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Albercilin. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication; and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and develop a skin reaction, diarrhea, shortness of breath, wheezing, sore throat, or fever, seek medical attention immediately.
How should you take Albercilin prescriptions without?

Take Albercilin capsules with a full glass of water, a half hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

The oral suspension should be shaken well before using.

Take Albercilin exactly as prescribed. It works best when there is a constant amount in the body. Take your doses at evenly spaced times around the clock, and try not to miss a dose.

If you miss a dose ALBERCILIN (Ampicillin, D-Amp, Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen, Totacillin)

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, and you take 2 doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 5 to 6 hours later. If you take 3 or more doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage instruction

Store capsules at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Keep the oral suspension in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container. Discard the unused portion after 14 days.
ALBERCILIN (Ampicillin, D-Amp, Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen, Totacillin) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

* Side effects may include:
Colitis (inflammation of the bowel), diarrhea, fever, itching, nausea, rash or other skin problems, sore tongue or mouth, vomiting

Why should Albercilin not be prescribed?

You should not take Albercilin if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.
Special warnings about Albercilin

If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Albercilin and contact your doctor immediately.

After you have taken Albercilin for a long time, you may get a new infection (called a superinfection) due to an organism this medication cannot treat. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or seem to get worse.

Albercilin sometimes causes diarrhea. Some diarrhea medications can make the diarrhea worse. Check with your doctor before taking any diarrhea remedy.

Oral contraceptives may not work properly while you are taking Albercilin. For greater certainty, use other measures while taking Albercilin.

If you are diabetic, be aware that Albercilin may cause a false positive in certain urine glucose tests. You should talk to your doctor about the right tests to use while you are taking Albercilin.

For infections such as strep throat, it is important to take Albercilin for the entire amount of time your doctor has prescribed. Even if you feel better, you need to continue taking Albercilin.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Albercilin

If Albercilin is taken with certain other drugs the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Albercilin with any of the following:

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Chloroquine (Aralen)
Mefloquine (Lariam)
Oral contraceptives
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Albercilin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Albercilin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the developing baby.

Albercilin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Albercilin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Albercilin

Unless you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor will have you continue to take Albercilin for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms have disappeared. Dosages are for capsules and oral suspension.

ADULTS
Overdosage

Although no specific symptoms have been reported, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Albercilin, seek medical attention immediately.