How should I take ampicillin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take the medicine with a full glass of
water.
Ampicillin should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours
after eating a meal.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis,
another sexually transmitted disease.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ampicillin will not treat a
viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Do not give ampicillin to another person, even if they have the same symptoms you
do.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using ampicillin.
Store ampicillin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, behavior changes, a severe skin rash,
urinating less than usual, or seizure (black-out or convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking ampicillin?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you
have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
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