Ampicillin is antibiotic belonging to the class of penicillin are very effective against bacterial infections.  Administration of Ampicillin with food causes an absorption decrease of up to 30%. Ampicillin produces a high biliary concentration, making concentrations of 300% more in the bile than in the blood, being recommended in cholecysts (gallbladder) with sensitive bacteria.

Ampicillin is partially metabolized in the penicillanic acid which is the excreted through urine. Renal clearance is delayed by probenecid. High concentrations of Ampicillin are achieved in bile, enter the enterohepatic circulation and are partially excreted through feces.

•    May render birth control pills less effective, making pregnancy possible, so be sure to consult your doctor before taking the drug.
•    Should be taken through the full duration of treatment. In most cases, the symptoms will disappear sooner but you are advised to complete the treatment period to prevent relapse.
•    Not to be used if there is known allergy to ampicillin or any other antibiotics belonging to the penicillin group.
•    Should be taken with care and doctor consultation if patient is allergic to cephalosporin.
•    Consult your doctor before taking ampicillin if you have any known allergy.

People who are allergic to the following drugs should not take ampicillin or should at least consult with the doctor before taking any medications:
•    amoxicillin
•    carbenicillin
•    dicloxacillin
•    oxacillin
•    penicillin
While people suffering from the following conditions are advised to seek doctors advise before taking ampicillin:
•    asthma
•    any types of allergies
•    diarrhea caused by antibiotics
•    people taking warfarin or having blood clotting disorders
•    kidney disease of any severity

Adults: To treat respiratory and urinary infections, take 500 mg (2 capsules) every 6 hours; in digestive infections, 500-750 mg (2-3 capsules) every 6 hours.
In serious illnesses doses can be increased to 4gr/day.
Children: 50-100 mg/kg/day.
Since the presence of food in the stomach can interfere with the absorption of the Ampicillin, it is preferable to administer at least 30 minutes before meals.

Missed doses are considered missed. Leave it and take the next scheduled dosage. Do not overdose to compensate for the missed one. If you remember and still with enough time before the next one, take it.

Ampicillin overdose could cause confusion, behavioral changes, as well as severe rashes all over the body. It could also cause lower urine volume or blacking out. If these symptoms start to show, call for medical help right away.

If diarrhea strikes as a result of taking ampicillin, stop medication at once and contact your doctor as it could be possible that new bacteria has grown in your body. Never attempt to take anti-diarrhea medicines without consulting your doctor first.

Rarely allergic manifestations have been reported, such as pruritus, rash, hives, fever, very rare, anaphylactic shock) especially in patients with hypersensitivity in penicillin. Allergic reactions require stopping the treatment immediately. Occasionally, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains and diarrhea can occur

The following drugs may have significant effects when taken with ampicillin. Special care should be given and a doctor consultation should be a primary concern:
•    Probenecid (can cause elevated levels of ampicillin in the body)
•    Allupurinol (can cause skin rash)
•    Sulfa drugs
•    Methotrexate
•    tetracyclines