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| AMPICILLIN SODIUM |
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| What
is AMPICILLIN SODIUM? |
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Ampicillin is an antibiotic. This drug is used to treat different kinds of infection such as urinary, ear, lung, bone, joint and skin infections. It is also prescribed in sinusitis, meningitis and gonorrhea.
Ampicillin sodium is available as vials for injection. |
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| How
should I use AMPICILLIN SODIUM? |
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Ampicillin is not an over-the-counter drug, and depending on your condition your doctor will prescribe a particular dosage of the medication. Take ampicillin exactly as directed by your doctor, and do NOT change the dosage on your own. You should also read the directions on the drug leaflet carefully. Do not stop taking ampicillin without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. If you don’t finish the prescribed amount, your infection may recur even worse.
Ampicillin sodium may be infused via an intravenous fluid through your vein, or it can be injected into your muscle. |
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| Contraindications |
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Ampicillin should not be used in patients with known allergy to penicillins. |
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| If
you miss a dose! |
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Take the missed dose of ampicillin as soon as you remember it. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. |
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| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
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Tell your doctor if:
• You are allergic to ampicillin, penicillins, cephalosporins (eg cephalexin or cefixime) or any other drugs.
• You are taking any medications, prescription or non-prescription, specially other antibiotics, allopurinol, anticoagulants like warfarin, atenolol, methotrexate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg aspirin or ibuprofen), oral contraceptive pills, probenecid, rifampin, sulfasalazine and vitamins.
• You have or have had kidney or liver disease, diabetes, large bowel disease, stomach problems, asthma, allergies and blood disorders. |
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| Side
Effects |
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Ampicillin does not commonly cause side effects. However, you may experience nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and mild skin rash. Consult your doctor if the mentioned symptoms get worse or persist.
But in case you have any of the following signs or symptoms, stop taking the drug and see your doctor right away:
Headache, dizziness, seizures, severe skin rash, hives or itching, difficult breathing or swallowing, severe or bloody diarrhea, unusual weakness, fever, chills, mouth thrush, sore throat, yellowing of the eyes or skin, joint pain, swelling of the feet or face, change in urine volume or color, unusual bleeding or bruising and vaginal discharge. |
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| Storage |
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Your doctor will probably prescribe you a several day supply of ampicillin, which you take from pharmacy at a time. Ask the pharmacist to tell you how to store the drug properly. You’ll probably be told to keep ampicillin in the fridge. Make sure to take the next dose from the fridge almost half an hour before injection, so that it warms to room temperature.
Keep the vials in a clean and dry place, out of reach of children. The vials must be clear and free from any floating materials. To avoid accidental injury, you must discard used needles, syringes, catheters and containers in a safe way. Thus, ask your pharmacist to tell you how. |
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| Emergency/Overdose |
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In case of overdose, seek help at the nearest medical centre. |
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| Drug
interactions |
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• Ampicillin may decrease the effects of oral contraceptive pills.
• Ampicillin can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants.
• Taking allopurinol and probenecid along with ampicillin, increases the chance of skin rash. |
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| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
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• Ampicillin can be safely used in children under a doctor’s supervision.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor to inform you about the risks and benefits of taking the drug.
• Ampicillin is readily excreted in breast milk and it must be used with caution during breast feeding. It may cause diarrhea or allergic reactions in your baby. |
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| More
information |
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• Fever, weakness, chills, sweating and loss of appetite are probable symptoms of infection. During treatment if you feel any of these symptoms, it may signify a new infection or aggravation of your current infection.
• If you are receiving ampicillin through your veins, you must be careful of the symptoms and signs of catheter related infection. If you feel warmth, tenderness, redness, swelling or irritation at the infusion site, tell your nurse or doctor.
• It is of utmost importance to visit your doctor regularly during treatment. He has to check your disease status, your response to therapy and some laboratory tests.
• Ampicillin, as well as other antibiotics, is not helpful in viral infections such as cold or the flu.
• If you still feel the symptoms of infection after finishing the prescribed dosage of ampicillin, consult your doctor.
• Oral contraceptive pills may be less effective while taking ampicillin. So in addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) when you are taking ampicillin and continue it at least seven days after your course of ampicillin has finished. For further information consult your doctor.
• If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about the proper way to screen your sugar. Urine sugar results may become false positive while taking ampicillin. |
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