What is Ampicillin Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ampicillin Sodium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ampicillin Novaplus, PremierPro Rx Ampicillin

Generic Names:

  • Ampicillin Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What form(s) does Ampicillin Sodium come in

  • Injectable

What are common Ampicillin Sodium doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 1GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 2GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 10GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 250MG

  • Solution Reconstituted 500MG

Common Ampicillin Sodium prescriptions

  • Ampicillin Sodium
    10gm solution reconstituted

  • Ampicillin Sodium
    125mg solution reconstituted

  • Ampicillin Sodium
    1gm solution reconstituted

  • Ampicillin Sodium
    250mg solution reconstituted

  • Ampicillin Sodium
    2gm solution reconstituted

  • Ampicillin Sodium
    500mg solution reconstituted

How to take Ampicillin Sodium

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, or through a needle placed in one of your veins.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator 1 hour before you need to use it and allow it to warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.

  • If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear. Do not use the solution if you see particles in it.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, or through a needle placed in one of your veins.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator 1 hour before you need to use it and allow it to warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear. Do not use the solution if you see particles in it.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

Ampicillin Sodium contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ampicillin or to any penicillin antibiotic.

Ampicillin Sodium warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you had an allergic reaction to any cephalosporin antibiotic. Tell your doctor if you have mononucleosis (mono), stomach or intestinal disease, asthma, liver disease, hay fever, or other allergies.

  • Ampicillin may prevent birth control pills from working. Use another form of birth control while you are taking ampicillin.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ampicillin Sodium interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how ampicillin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking allopurinol or probenecid.

  • Ampicillin may prevent birth control pills from working. Use another form of birth control while you are taking ampicillin.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ampicillin Sodium side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering or peeling skin

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV is located

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild diarrhea or nausea

  • Pain where your IM shot was given

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat