About ampicillin for injection usp
Penicillin antibiotic
Used for
- Treats susceptible bacterial infections, including respiratory, urinary, and skin infections.
- May treat serious infections such as meningitis or bloodstream infections, under specialist care.
Usual adult dose
Commonly 1–2 g intravenously every 4–6 hours; dose depends on infection and kidney function.
Usual dose in children
Commonly 25–50 mg/kg per dose intravenously every 6 hours; specialist dosing varies by infection and age.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Rash or allergic reactions
- Injection-site pain or inflammation
- Rarely, severe allergy or antibiotic-associated colitis
Important warnings
- Avoid with a history of serious penicillin allergy.
- Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or severe rash.
- Kidney impairment may require dose adjustment.
- Use only for bacterial infections; unnecessary use promotes resistance.
Pregnancy
Generally considered acceptable when clinically needed; a healthcare professional should assess the infection and treatment.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible; monitor the infant for diarrhea, rash, or thrush.
Interactions
- Probenecid can raise ampicillin levels.
- Allopurinol may increase the chance of skin rash.
- Warfarin may have altered anticoagulant effect; monitoring may be needed.
- May reduce the effectiveness of oral typhoid vaccine.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.