Ampicillin is a type of antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It is part of a group of antibiotics known as penicillins, which are derived from the fungus Penicillium. Ampicillin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, thereby preventing the spread of infection.
Ampicillin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and salmonella. It is also used to prevent infections in people undergoing surgery. Ampicillin can be taken orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection.
The active ingredients in Ampicillin are ampicillin trihydrate and ampicillin sodium. Other synonyms for ampicillin include aminobenzylpenicillin, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium, and ampicillin/sulbactam.
Common side effects associated with Ampicillin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash. Less common side effects include fever, chills, and joint pain. If any of these side effects become severe or do not go away, contact your doctor immediately.
Ampicillin is a powerful antibiotic that should only be used when other antibiotics have failed or when the infection is serious. It is important to take the medication as prescribed and to finish the entire course of treatment, even if the symptoms have disappeared. Stopping the medication too soon can cause the infection to return and can make the bacteria more resistant to antibiotics.
Ampicillin is an effective antibiotic for treating bacterial infections, but it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and to finish the entire course of treatment. If side effects become severe or do not go away, contact your doctor immediately.