Ampicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia; bronchitis; and ear, lung, skin, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Ampicillin comes as a capsule, liquid, and pediatric drops to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 6 hours (four times a day). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ampicillin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid and pediatric drops well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the bottle dropper to measure the dose of pediatric drops. The pediatric drops and liquid may be placed on a child's tongue or added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or other cold liquid and taken immediately.
The capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.
Continue to take ampicillin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ampicillin without talking to your doctor.
- Principen®
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