Ampicillin 500mg

Antibiotic, Penicillin

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Ampicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which in turn inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, thus inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis.  Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes (autolysins and murein hydrolases) while cell wall assembly is arrested.

GI Infections, Respiratory Tract Infections

Before starting Ampicillin make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  You may experience a rash which should be carefully assessed by your doctor.  Prolonged usage of antibiotics has resulted in fungal and/or bacterial superinfections including Clostridiodes difficile-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis.

For oral therapy, including oral step-down therapy after IV ampicillin, oral amoxicillin is usually preferred over oral ampicillin due to improved bioavailability and absorption (bioavailability 77% versus 39% to 54%, respectively). For ease of outpatient IV ampicillin administration, the total daily dose may be administered as a 24-hour continuous infusion.

How to Take:  Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, swallow whole, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature

The frequency of adverse effects has not been well defined but has been reported to include the following: glossalgia, seizure, sore throat, exfoliative dermatitis, skin rash, urticaria, diarrhea, enterocolitis, candidiasis, stomatitis, vomiting, hematologic changes, elevated liver enzymes, stridor, fever. 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Ampicillin only common ones.

1. What do I do if it really upsets my stomach?
   Try taking it after meals.  It is not required however it may lower risk of upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.
2. I had a penicillin allergy from childhood, but my physician told me to try ampicillin anyways, what should I do?
   Penicillin allergies are commonly misdiagnosed as rash can be a regular side effect.  There is also evidence that penicillin allergies can reduce or go away after 10 years.  If you have reacted severely in the past make sure your physician was aware and if still told to try the medication take your first few doses in the physicians office just to make sure you do not have another serious reaction.