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Teva-Ampicillin capsules

This product is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries using the ingredient ampicillin.

This product is taken orally.


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orally


Why is it prescribed?

Ampicillin is used to treat infections caused by susceptible types of bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of infections of the respiratory tract (e.g. sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis) and the middle ear.

Use exactly as prescribed.
Absorption of Teva-Ampicillin is decreased by food. It is best taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
Take Teva-Ampicillin at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 6 hours translates to 4 times a day) until finished or as directed. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Teva-Ampicillin may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent) contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat diarrhea without being instructed to do so.


Alternatives

See other products used in the treatment of •middle ear infections •respiratory tract infections •tonsilitis •upper respiratory tract infections •

The usual dose for adults and children weighing more than 40 kg is 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours depending on the severity of the infection being treated. 


Ampicillin is an antibiotic medication that kills various bacteria. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of one of the building blocks needed for the bacteria to make its cell wall. This results in a cell wall that is defective and more likely to rupture. The effectiveness of ampicillin depends on factors such as dose, concentration in the blood as well as other body fluids and tissue, and susceptibility of the organism. Ampicillin will only kill certain types of bacteria sensitive to its antibiotic action. Infections caused by bacteria that are not sensitive to ampicillin will not show improvement after taking this medication.


Along with its needed effects, ampicillin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, ampicillin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

  • diarrhea
  • allergy (e.g. hives, itching, rash, difficulty breathing)
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal cramps
  • oral thrush

Rare:

  • bloody diarrhea
  • pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of certain bacteria, causing diarrhea)
  • sore mouth and tongue

 


Allergic reactions can occur with ampicillin use. People with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or hives seem to be more susceptible to these reactions. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, spasms in the throat and breathing tubes, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Ampicillin is a semisynthetic penicillin. If you have an allergy to penicillin, you should not take ampicillin. Cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin, cefaclor) are a distinct group of antibiotics related to penicillins. People allergic to cephalosporins may also be allergic to penicillins.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs the ampicillin may need to be stopped and another medication prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking ampicillin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with ampicillin:

  • probenecid 
  • erythromycin
  • tetracycline
  • methotrexate
  • allopurinol
  • warfarin
  • atenolol

 


Use is not recommended in the following situations:

  • allergy to any penicillin

Caution is recommended in the following situations:

  • allergy to cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin, cefaclor)
  • kidney impairment

Use in pregnancy: Ampicillin has been used in pregnant women without evidence of risk to the unborn baby. 
Use while breastfeeding: Ampicillin does appear in low concentrations in breastmilk. It is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding.