Ampicillin is a prescription antibiotic that is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as meningitis, UTIs, and infections of the throat, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.

Ampicillin is part of an antibiotic drug class called penicillins. Penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin work by destroying the bacterial cell walls, killing the bacteria as a result. Health care professionals use ampicillin to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E. coli or salmonella infections.

Although there is not currently a brand name ampicillin on the market, generic ampicillin is currently available as a capsule and an oral solution. It is also sometimes administered intravenously in healthcare settings by a licensed healthcare professional.

Ampicillin is used to treat specific bacterial infections of the lungs, throat, sinuses, reproductive organs, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract. It is generally effective against the following bacteria:

- Staphylococcus- a group of bacteria that typically causes skin infections referred to as Staph infections.
- Streptococcus- a group of bacteria that commonly causes respiratory illnesses such as Strep throat.
- Corynebacterium- a group of bacteria known to cause lower respiratory tract infections and other illnesses like diphtheria.
- Clostridium- a type of bacteria that is a leading cause of food poisoning. The CDC estimates that the bacteria is responsible for more than 1 million foodborne illnesses in the United States every year.
- Escherichia- a group of bacteria better known as E.coli which is responsible for urinary tract infections (UTI), bacteremia, and clinical infections such as neonatal meningitis and pneumonia.
- Klebsiella- a type of bacteria found inside the human intestines, which is commonly found in health care settings due to operations and open wounds. It can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis.
- Shigella- a type of bacteria that can cause an infection called shigellosis, which often results in diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Salmonella- a type of bacteria that can cause the foodborne illness Salmonellosis, commonly known as Salmonella poisoning. It presents as a sudden onset of fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
- Proteus- a type of bacteria that most commonly causes catheter UTIs.
- Pasteurella- these bacteria typically cause local wound infection. Pasteurella infections typically occur as a result of an animal bite or scratch. This can develop into a serious soft tissue infection.

It is important to know that ampicillin’s resistance to these bacteria has decreased in recent years due to the overuse of penicillin treatment, meaning it is becoming less effective at killing the bacteria. This highlights why it’s important to only use antibiotics when prescribed, as taking antibiotics when they are not needed can increase your chance of contracting an antibiotic-resistant infection. Remember that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viral infections such as the cold or flu.

Ampicillin is an aminopenicillin antibiotic, which means that it is a derivative of a penicillin antibiotic developed to fight bacteria with certain types of cell walls.

Ampicillin works by stopping the bacteria from forming protective cell walls; in other words, the ampicillin prevents the bacteria from putting on its armor. Since the bacteria can’t build a strong cell wall, holes start to appear in its membrane, which then allows the ampicillin to infiltrate the bacteria cell and kill it.

The most common side effects of ampicillin include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. You should reach out to your doctor if any of these symptoms do not go away or are severe. You should also call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, as you may be experiencing a more severe adverse or allergic reaction:

• Skin rash
  
• Itching
  
• Hives
  
• Difficulting breathing or swallowing
  
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) and stomach cramps
  
• Fever
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects, although these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms while taking ampicillin.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor or health care professional about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with ampicillin. Ampicillin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. These drug interactions include allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim), other antibiotics, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), and probenecid (Probalan in Col-Probenecid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

It is also critical to talk with your doctor if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, as people who have kidney disease must take smaller doses of antibiotics than people who have healthy kidneys. Antibiotics like ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin can be extremely dangerous for those with kidney disease and can cause further damage to your kidney function or possible renal failure.

Although lactation research shows that ampicillin produces low levels in breastmilk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants, you should still consult with your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking ampicillin. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Ampicillin comes as a capsule and a powder for suspension. It usually is taken 4 times per day. The exact dosage and schedule will vary depending on the age of the patient, their diagnosis, and their body weight. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of ampicillin without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Ampicillin should be consumed on an empty stomach, as having food in your stomach will decrease its effectiveness. The oral dose should be consumed with a full glass of water.

To prevent your infection from becoming resistant to antibiotics, you should continue taking the ampicillin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Do not skip doses or stop taking the ampicillin, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Ampicillin is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed healthcare provider.

Looking for a prescription? Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not ampicillin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! Although the intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (injection) doses of ampicillin must be administered in a medical setting by a health care professional, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription for oral ampicillin to be picked up near you – often within the same day.

Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.