
Penicillin Antibiotic
Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. Ampicillin works by killing sensitive bacteria by interfering with formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing. This weakens the cell wall and it ruptures, resulting in the death of the bacteria. Ampicillin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E. coli or salmonella infection.
Ampicillin can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before taking ampicillin 500mg, tell your doctor if you use birth control pills. 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 this medication to another person, even if they have the same symptoms you do.
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. 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.
Side effects:
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
- urinating less than usual or not at all;
- agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
- seizure (black-out or convulsions).
Less serious side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- headache;
- swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue; or
- thrush (white patches or inside your mouth or throat).
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