Article by Pharmacist Duong Thanh Hai, Department of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Ampicillin 500 mg is an oral antibiotic belonging to the penicillin group, used to treat certain common bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections and pharyngitis. The medication is not effective against viral infections such as influenza and the common cold.
1. How to use Ampicillin 500 mg
Ampicillin 500 mg is an antibiotic; therefore, you should use the medication according to your doctor's prescription.
Before being prescribed Ampicillin 500 mg, inform your doctor if you have any allergies to any medications or foods, especially to antibiotics in the penicillin group. In that case, the doctor will consider your allergy history to choose an appropriate antibiotic.
If you are taking any medications, please inform your doctor because Ampicillin may interact with certain drugs such as allopurinol, contraceptives, other antibiotics (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline), and probenecid. Sometimes, these interactions can lead to reduced effectiveness or increased unwanted effects of the medications being used.
Before taking the medication, take the time to read the information leaflet in the medicine box, it will help you understand the potential side effects you may encounter while using the drug. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask for advice from healthcare professionals (doctors, pharmacists, nurses).
The medication should be taken at the correct dosage, frequency, and duration specified in the prescription to ensure effective treatment. Ampicillin 500 mg has a short duration of action, so it is typically taken four times a day, with each dose spaced 6 hours apart.
You should take the medication with plenty of water on an empty stomach, which means about 30 minutes to 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after eating. This helps the drug to be better absorbed into the body. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember; however, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not take a double dose at once. If you feel better and no longer have symptoms of the illness, continue taking Ampicillin 500 mg for the full duration as prescribed, unless your doctor advises you to stop using it. Completing the full course helps prevent the recurrence of the infection.
2. Precautions for Using Ampicillin 500 mg.
Although Ampicillin 500 mg is a relatively safe antibiotic, it may cause some unwanted gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and do not require treatment.
However, in some cases, the medication can cause serious side effects such as: rash, itching, facial swelling, lip swelling, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, dyspnea, chest pain, unusual fatigue, prolonged diarrhea, or blood in the stool. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact healthcare professionals immediately for assistance.
Ampicillin 500 mg should be stored at room temperature (20 – 25 degrees Celsius), in a cool, dry place, away from light and out of reach of children. The medication should be purchased in sufficient quantities to avoid excess, which could lead to disposal in the environment, helping to prevent the risk of antibiotic resistance.
In the case of leftover medication, do not use the antibiotic for family or friends, even if you think they have a similar illness. This is because the use of antibiotics must be appropriate for the type of bacteria causing the infection and the health condition of the user.
Ampicillin 500 mg is an antibiotic that should only be used when prescribed by a doctor, at the correct dosage, duration, and treatment course to ensure effective treatment and prevent antibiotic resistance.
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