Ampicillin brands and prices in Pakistan

About Ampicillin

Ampicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group. It works by killing the bacteria that cause an infection. It comes as capsules taken by mouth and as a powder that is made into an injection. The injection is usually given into a vein or a muscle by a doctor or nurse, often in hospital, and is used for serious infections that the capsules cannot treat. It is a prescription medicine.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not use it if you are allergic to ampicillin, any other penicillin, or related antibiotics such as cephalosporins. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a rash or swelling of the face or neck after any antibiotic.
• Tell your doctor if you have glandular fever (mononucleosis), a type of leukaemia, or HIV, because a rash is more likely.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or heart disease, as the dose may need changing and blood tests may be needed.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies, asthma, hives or hay fever, a weak immune system, or a bleeding or clotting problem.
• Tell your doctor if you have syphilis, as a reaction with fever, chills and headache can happen when treatment starts.
• Tell your doctor if you are already taking another antibiotic.
• The injection contains sodium, which matters for people on a low-salt diet.
• Pregnancy: advice differs. The UK leaflet says ampicillin will not harm an unborn baby and has been used in pregnancy for a long time, while the South African leaflet says its safety in pregnancy has not been proven. Ask your doctor, and tell them if you are or may be pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: small amounts pass into breast milk and may cause a rash, diarrhoea or thrush in the baby. Ask your doctor.
• Newborn babies of mothers who are allergic to penicillins should not usually be given it. Babies and young children get a smaller dose worked out by the doctor.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Allopurinol (for gout): raises the chance of a skin rash
• Probenecid (for gout): keeps more ampicillin in the body for longer
• Hormonal contraception (pills, patches, rings and injections): the UK leaflet and MedlinePlus say ampicillin may make them work less well, so use an extra method such as condoms and ask how long to keep using it
• Other antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, tetracycline, erythromycin and sulphonamides
• Warfarin and heparin (blood thinners): clotting may need closer checks
• Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs): may raise the risk of bleeding
• Methotrexate: ampicillin may increase its level and side effects
• Some blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors), potassium-sparing water tablets and potassium supplements: may raise potassium in the blood, especially with kidney problems
• Gentamicin and similar antibiotics, and cephalosporins, must not be mixed with ampicillin in the same syringe or drip; hospital staff manage this
• Ampicillin can give a false result on some chemical urine sugar tests and can change some blood test results. Tell your doctor and the laboratory that you are taking it.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it only when a doctor prescribes it for you. Finish the course exactly as your doctor tells you, even if you feel better, so the infection is fully treated and bacteria do not become resistant.
• Swallow capsules with a full glass of water and follow the label about taking them around meals.
• If you forget a dose of capsules, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• If you are given the injection at home, a healthcare worker will show you how to use it.
• Most people start to feel better within the first few days. Tell your doctor if you are not getting better or feel worse, or if signs of infection remain after you finish.
• Wait until you know how it affects you before driving, as some people feel dizzy.
• Never share your antibiotics or keep leftovers for later. Store out of the reach of children and return unused medicine to a pharmacy; do not flush it away.

Common questions

Will ampicillin help my cold or flu?
No. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics like ampicillin only work against bacteria. Taking them when you do not need them can help create bacteria that antibiotics no longer kill.

I am allergic to penicillin. Can I take ampicillin?
No. Ampicillin is a penicillin. If you are allergic to penicillin, or to related antibiotics such as cephalosporins, tell your doctor so they can choose a different medicine.

Does ampicillin stop my contraceptive pill working?
The UK leaflet and MedlinePlus say it may make hormonal contraception work less well. Use an extra method such as condoms while taking it, and ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to keep doing this.

Why is ampicillin given to newborn babies?
Very young babies can get serious bacterial infections quickly. WHO describes starting hospital treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin injections as the currently recommended approach for young babies with a possible serious bacterial infection.

Does ampicillin work for typhoid in Pakistan?
Often not. CDC reports that the XDR typhoid strain linked to Pakistan is resistant to ampicillin and several other antibiotic groups. A doctor should choose treatment, ideally guided by a blood test (culture).

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.