Listeria endocarditis: 200 mg/kg/day IV divided q6hr; administer concomitantly with aminoglycoside for at least 4-6 wk Show
Genitourinary Tract Infections (Excluding Gonorrhea)<40 kg: 50 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6-8hr ≥40 kg: 500 mg PO/IV/IM q6hr Gastrointestinal Tract Infections<40 kg: 50 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6-8hr ≥40 kg: 500 mg IV/IM q6hr; larger doses may be necessary in severe or chronic infection Urinary Tract Infection (ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus; Off-label)1-2 g IV q4-6hr with or without an aminoglycoside Gonorrhea3.5 g IV administered once simultaneously with 1 g of probenecid Respiratory Tract Infections≥40 kg
<40 kg
Bacterial Meningitis/Septicemia150-200 mg/kg/day IV divided q6-8hr; initiate with IV infusion; may continue with IM injections if preferred; range 6-12 g/day Group B Streptococcus (Off-label)Maternal dose for neonatal prophylaxis 2 g IV initially, followed by 1 g q4hr until delivery Listeria Infection (Off-label)2 g IV q4hr AdministrationTake oral dosage form on empty stomach Dosing ModificationsRenal impairment
Hepatic impairment
Dosage Forms & Strengthscapsules
oral suspension
powder for injection
General Dosing Guidelines25-200 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6-8hr; not to exceed 12 g/day 50-100 mg/kg/day PO divided q6hr; not to exceed 2-4 g/day Severe infection: 200-400 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6hr Potential toxic dose <6 years: 300 mg/kg Neonates (<28 Days)<7 days
>7 days
Endocarditis Prophylaxis (Off-label)50 mg/kg IV/IM (+/- gentamicin 1.5 mg/kg for GI/GU) within 30-60 minutes before procedure Dosing considerations
Endocarditis Treatment300 mg/kg/day IV divided q4-6hr in combination with other antibiotics; not to exceed 12 g/day Genitourinary Tract Infections<40 kg: 50-100 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6hr ≥40 kg: 500 mg IV/IM q6hr Gastrointestinal Tract Infections<20 kg: 50-100 mg/kg/day PO divided q6hr >20 kg: 500 mg PO q6hr <40 kg: 50 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6-8hr >40 kg: 500 mg IV/IM q6hr Gonorrhea<20 kg: Safety and efficacy not established >20 kg: 3.5 g PO administered once simultaneously with 1 g of probenecid Respiratory Tract Infections<20 kg: 50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr >20 kg: 250 mg PO q6hr <40 kg: 25-50 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6-8hr >40 kg: 250-500 mg IV/IM q6hr Bacterial Meningitis/Septicemia150-200 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q3-4hr; should initiate with IV infusion therapy and continued with IM injections if preferred Soft Tissue Infections<40 kg: 25-50 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided q6-8hr ≥40 kg: 250-500 mg IV/IM q6hr Community Acquired Pneumonia< 3 months: Safety and efficacy not established > 3 months: Empiric treatment or S. pneumoniae
Group A Streptococcus
AdministrationTake oral dosage form on empty stomach Next: InteractionsInteraction CheckerEnter a drug nameand ampicillin No Results
No Interactions Found Interactions Found ContraindicatedSerious - Use AlternativeSignificant - Monitor CloselyMinorAll Interactions Sort By:
Contraindicated (0)Serious - Use Alternative (12)
Monitor Closely (29)
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Previous Next: Adverse EffectsFrequency Not DefinedErythema multiforme Exfoliative dermatitis Rash Urticaria Fever Seizure Black hairy tongue Diarrhea Enterocolitis Glossitis Nausea Oral candidiasis Pseudomembranous colitis Stomatitis Vomiting Agranulocytosis Anemia Hemolytic anemia Eosinophilia Leukopenia Thrombocytopenia purpura Anaphylaxis Aspartate aminotransferase increased Interstitial nephritis Laryngeal stridor Serum sickness-like reaction Previous Next: WarningsContraindicationsHypersensitivity CautionsUse caution in allergy to cephalosporins, carbapenems Adjust dose in renal failure; evaluate rash and differentiate from hypersensitivity reaction Endocarditis prophylaxis: Use only for high-risk patients, per AHA Guidelines Prolonged use associated with fungal or bacterial superinfection Rash has developed during therapy in high percentage of patients with infectious mononucleosis receiving ampicillin class antibiotics; avoid therapy in these patients Previous Next: Pregnancy & LactationPregnancy category: B Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; use caution Pregnancy CategoriesA: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk. B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.NA: Information not available.Previous Next: PharmacologyMechanism of ActionBroad-spectrum penicillin; interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis during active replication, causing bactericidal activity against susceptible organisms; alternative to amoxicillin when unable to take medication orally AbsorptionPeak plasma time: 1-2 hr (oral) Bioavailability: 30-40% DistributionProtein bound: 15-25% Blister and tissue fluids, bile, and CSF with inflamed meninges MetabolismLiver EliminationHalf-life: 1-1.8 hr (normal renal function); 7-20 hr (anuria/end-stage renal disease) Excretion: Urine (90% within 24 hr) Previous Next: AdministrationIV IncompatibilitiesSolution: Dextran and dextrose solutions, LR, Ringer's, Na-bicarb, Na-lactate 1/6 M, IV fat emulsions, invert sugar solutions Additive: Amikacin, aztreonam(?), cefepime(?), chlorpromazine, dopamine, gentamicin, heparin(?), hydralazine, hydrocortisone, prochlorperazine, Syringe: Erythromycin, gentamicin, hydromorphone, kanamycin, lincomycin, metoclopramide, polymyxin B SO4, streptomycin Y-site: Amphotericin B cholesteryl SO4, Ca gluconate, cisatracurium (at high cisatracurium concentration; may be compatible at low concentrations), diltiazem, epinephrine, fenoldopam, fluconazole, hydralazine, midazolam, nicardipine, ondansetron, sargramostim, verapamil, vinorelbine IV CompatibilitiesSolution: NS (some contrary reports) Additive: Clindamycin, erythromycin, floxacillin, furosemide, metronidazole, verapamil Syringe: Chloramphenicol, colistimethate, heparin, lidocaine Y-site (partial list): Acyclovir, aztreonam, clarithromycin, cyclophosphamide, esmolol, famotidine, heparin, labetalol, linezolid, KCl, MgSO4, meperidine, propofol, vancomycin, vitamins B/C IV PreparationReconstitute with sterile water for injection or bacteriostatic water for injection Use 5 mL for 125 mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg vials; 7.4 mL for 1 g vials; or 14.8 mL for 2 g vials IV AdministrationUse initial dilution within 1 hr Give direct IV over 3-5 min for (125-500 mg) and over 10-15 minutes for larger doses (1-2 g) Do not exceed a rate of 100 mg/min For intermittent infusion, dilute in 50-100 mL of NS and give over 15-30 min Give IV intermittently to prevent vein irritation (change site q48hr) Previous Next: ImagesBRANDFORM.UNIT PRICEPILL IMAGEampicillin oral - 500 mg capsuleampicillin oral- 250 mg capsuleCopyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc. Previous Next: Patient HandoutPatient Education AMPICILLIN - ORAL (AM-pi-SIL-in) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Principen USES: Ampicillin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections. HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day (every 6 hours). Take ampicillin on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth/tongue sores may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop, sore throat or fever that doesn't go away, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, easy bruising or bleeding.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.Ampicillin can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking ampicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis).Ampicillin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using ampicillin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Ampicillin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: methotrexate, tetracyclines.Ampicillin may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). This drug may also affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: diarrhea that doesn't stop, severe vomiting, unusual change in the amount of urine, or seizures. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.With prolonged treatment, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney and liver function, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult the doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised September 2022. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc. IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs. Previous Next: FormularyFormularyPatient Discounts Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class. To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time. Create Your List of Plans Adding plans allows you to:
The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information. View explanations for tiers and restrictions TierDescription1This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.2This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.3This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.4This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.5This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.6This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.NCNOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.CodeDefinitionPAPrior Authorization Plans Select State: Done Non-Medicare Plans Medicare Plans Done CLOSE Additional Offers CLOSE Email to Patient From: To: The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer. By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information. CLOSE Email Forms to Patient From: To: The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer. By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information. Previous Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature. |