Brand name: Ampisyn -
AMPISYN (Albercilin, Ampicillin, D-Amp, Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen,
Totacillin)
Pronounced: AM-pi-siin
Brand name: Principen
Why is Ampisyn prescribed?
Ampisyn is a penicillin-like antibiotic prescribed for a wide variety
of infections, including gonorrhea and other genital and urinary infections,
respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections, as well as
meningitis (inflamed membranes of the spinal cord or brain).
Most important fact about Ampisyn
If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics
in any form, consult your doctor before taking Ampisyn. There is
a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication; and
if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the
drug and develop a skin reaction, diarrhea, shortness of breath, wheezing,
sore throat, or fever, seek medical attention immediately.
How should you take AMPISYN (Albercilin, Ampicillin,
D-Amp, Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen, Totacillin) prescriptions without?
Take Ampisyn capsules with a full glass of water, a half hour before
or 2 hours after a meal.
The oral suspension should be shaken well before using.
Take Ampisyn exactly as prescribed. It works best when there is
a constant amount in the body. Take your doses at evenly spaced times
around the clock, and try not to miss a dose.
If you miss a dose Ampisyn (Ampicillin, D-Amp, Omnipen,
Polycillin, Principen, Totacillin)
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, and you take 2 doses a day, take the one you missed and the next
dose 5 to 6 hours later. If you take 3 or more doses a day, take the
one you missed and the next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then go back to
your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instruction
Store capsules at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
Keep the oral suspension in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed
container. Discard the unused portion after 14 days.
AMPISYN (Albercilin, Ampicillin, D-Amp, Omnipen,
Polycillin, Principen, Totacillin) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
whether it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.
* Side effects may include:
Colitis (inflammation of the bowel), diarrhea, fever, itching, nausea, rash
or other skin problems, sore tongue or mouth, vomiting
Why should Ampisyn not be prescribed?
You should not take Ampisyn if you are allergic to penicillin or
cephalosporin antibiotics.
Special warnings about Ampisyn
If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Ampisyn and contact
your doctor immediately.
After you have taken Ampisyn for a long time, you may get a new
infection (called a superinfection) due to an organism this medication
cannot treat. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or
seem to get worse.
Ampisyn sometimes causes diarrhea. Some diarrhea medications can
make the diarrhea worse. Check with your doctor before taking any diarrhea
remedy.
Oral contraceptives may not work properly while you are taking Ampisyn.
For greater certainty, use other measures while taking Ampisyn.
If you are diabetic, be aware that Ampisyn may cause a false positive
in certain urine glucose tests. You should talk to your doctor about
the right tests to use while you are taking Ampisyn.
For infections such as strep throat, it is important to take Ampisyn
for the entire amount of time your doctor has prescribed. Even if you
feel better, you need to continue taking Ampisyn.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ampisyn
If Ampisyn is taken with certain other drugs the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Ampisyn with any of the
following:
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Chloroquine (Aralen)
Mefloquine (Lariam)
Oral contraceptives
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of AMPISYN (Albercilin, Ampicillin, D-Amp, Omnipen, Polycillin,
Principen, Totacillin) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Ampisyn should be used during pregnancy only
if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the developing
baby.
Ampisyn appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.
If Ampisyn is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you
to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Ampisyn
Unless you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor will have
you continue to take Ampisyn for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms
have disappeared. Dosages are for capsules and oral suspension.
ADULTS
Overdosage AMPISYN (Albercilin, Ampicillin, D-Amp, Omnipen, Polycillin,
Principen, Totacillin)
Although no specific symptoms have been reported, any medication taken
in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose
of Ampisyn, seek medical attention immediately.
