Brand Name
Teva-Ampicillin
Common Name
ampicillin
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00020877 | TEVA-AMPICILLIN 250MG CAPSULE |
| 00020885 | TEVA-AMPICILLIN 500MG CAPSULE |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Ampicillin is a type of penicillin used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This medication works by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. Ampicillin is used to treat many bacterial infections, especially those of the chest and urinary tract.
Under normal circumstances, your infection should begin to improve (reduced symptoms, temperature, etc.) within 24 to 48 hours. If you find this is not the case, contact your doctor.
Like other antibiotics, ampicillin is not effective against viruses such as those that cause the common cold.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
For most infections, the usual recommended dose of ampicillin for adults, teenagers, and children weighing more than 40 kg (88 pounds) is 250 mg to 500 mg every six hours. For infants and children weighing up to 40 kg (88 pounds), the dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Ampicillin is best taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water on an empty stomach (either one hour before or two hours after meals) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The liquid form of the medication should be shaken well before each use and the dose measured accurately with a suitable oral syringe or other measuring device.
Ampicillin must be taken regularly as prescribed so that blood levels of the medication are always high enough to be effective.
Ampicillin must be taken for the recommended duration of treatment, even if you are feeling better. This will ensure that any lingering bacteria are not able to grow again, thus preventing the infection from coming back.
The liquid form of ampicillin is to be kept in the refrigerator, but should not be allowed to freeze. Any portion of refrigerated medication that has not been consumed within 21 days should be discarded. Liquid ampicillin that has been left at room temperature is good for 7 days only.
The capsule form of the medication should be kept at room temperature and away from heat and direct light. Do not store ampicillin in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink, as moisture may cause the medication to break down.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible so that levels of the antibiotic will be kept as constant as possible in the blood and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
250 mg
Each black cap and opaque scarlet body capsule, imprinted NOVO and 250 on opposing cap and body portions of the capsule in white contains ampicillin 250 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acid red 27, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc and titanium dioxide.
500 mg
Each black cap and opaque scarlet body capsule, imprinted NOVO and 500 on opposing cap and body portions of the capsule in white contains ampicillin 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acid red 27, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc and titanium dioxide.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Ampicillin should not be taken by anyone who is sensitive or allergic to ampicillin or related medications. Related medications include other penicillins, and cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin, cefaclor, cefproxil, cefuroxime axetil, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and other cephalosporins).
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