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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

AMPICILLIN: 3,653 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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3,653
Total FAERS Reports
482 (13.2%)
Deaths Reported
1,227
Hospitalizations
3,653
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
327
Life-Threatening
37
Disabilities
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
FDA Approved
Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Penicillin-class Antibacterial [EPC] · Route: INTRAVENOUS · Manufacturer: Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. · FDA Application: 050072 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 197306 · Latest Report: 20250906

What Are the Most Common AMPICILLIN Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Drug hypersensitivity
566 reports (15.5%)
#2 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
540 reports (14.8%)
#3 Most Reported
Maternal exposure during pregnancy
485 reports (13.3%)

All AMPICILLIN Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug hypersensitivity 566 15.5% 0 58
Drug ineffective 540 14.8% 186 282
Maternal exposure during pregnancy 485 13.3% 7 52
Foetal exposure during pregnancy 474 13.0% 64 92
Premature baby 404 11.1% 45 64
Premature delivery 330 9.0% 0 15
Product use in unapproved indication 224 6.1% 6 20
Off label use 204 5.6% 52 99
Rash 150 4.1% 5 58
Low birth weight baby 127 3.5% 11 34
Delivery 126 3.5% 0 0
Exposure during pregnancy 124 3.4% 4 27
Normal labour 123 3.4% 0 0
Diarrhoea 117 3.2% 7 56
Pyrexia 116 3.2% 14 78
Condition aggravated 108 3.0% 25 55
Type iv hypersensitivity reaction 97 2.7% 0 1
Dyspnoea 96 2.6% 1 46
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms 94 2.6% 2 54
Nausea 90 2.5% 13 55

Who Reports AMPICILLIN Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 65.6% female, 34.4% male. Average age: 45.1 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is AMPICILLIN Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 11 0 10
2001 2 0 2
2002 2 0 2
2003 3 0 2
2005 2 0 1
2006 3 0 1
2007 4 0 1
2008 4 0 1
2009 2 0 1
2010 18 0 14
2011 20 0 7
2012 20 8 9
2013 12 1 6
2014 16 0 6
2015 35 0 24
2016 46 7 22
2017 66 18 41
2018 44 4 34
2019 27 0 14
2020 46 6 26
2021 30 1 21
2022 33 15 19
2023 16 1 8
2024 10 0 2
2025 9 0 5

View full timeline →

What Is AMPICILLIN Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 831
Antibiotic therapy 429
Foetal exposure during pregnancy 211
Antibiotic prophylaxis 144
Ureaplasma infection 142
Evidence based treatment 109
Enterococcal infection 96
Listeriosis 76
Amniotic cavity infection 66
Endocarditis 60

AMPICILLIN vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

AMPICILLIN vs AMPICILLIN\SULBACTAM AMPICILLIN vs AMPRENAVIR AMPICILLIN vs AMPYRA AMPICILLIN vs AMRUBICIN AMPICILLIN vs AMSACRINE AMPICILLIN vs ANAGRELIDE AMPICILLIN vs ANAKINRA AMPICILLIN vs ANAMORELIN AMPICILLIN vs ANASTROZOLE AMPICILLIN vs ANDEXANET ALFA

Other Drugs in Same Class: Penicillin-class Antibacterial [EPC]

Official FDA Label for AMPICILLIN

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

DESCRIPTION Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP is an injectable antibacterial combination consisting of the semisynthetic antibacterial ampicillin sodium and the beta-lactamase inhibitor sulbactam sodium for intravenous and intramuscular administration. THE INTENT OF THIS PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE IS FOR PREPARATION OF SOLUTIONS FOR IV INFUSION ONLY. Ampicillin sodium is derived from the penicillin nucleus, 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Chemically, it is monosodium (2S, 5R, 6R)-6-[(R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetamido]-3, 3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate and has a molecular weight of 371.39. Its chemical formula is C 16 H 18 N 3 NaO 4 S. The structural formula is: Sulbactam sodium is a derivative of the basic penicillin nucleus. Chemically, sulbactam sodium is sodium penicillinate sulfone; sodium (2S, 5R)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo [3.2.0] heptane-2-carboxylate 4,4-dioxide. Its chemical formula is C 8 H 10 NNaO 5 S with a molecular weight of 255.22. The structural formula is: Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium parenteral combination, is available as a white to off-white dry powder for reconstitution. Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP dry powder is freely soluble in aqueous diluents to yield pale yellow to yellow solutions containing ampicillin sodium and sulbactam sodium equivalent to 250 mg ampicillin per mL and 125 mg sulbactam per mL. The pH of the solutions is between 8.0 and 10.0. Dilute solutions (up to 30 mg ampicillin and 15 mg sulbactam per mL) are essentially colorless to pale yellow. The pH of dilute solutions remains the same. Each sterile Pharmacy Bulk Package contains 15 grams Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection (equivalent to 10 g ampicillin as the sodium salt plus 5 g sulbactam as the sodium salt). The sodium content per vial is 1150 mg (50 mEq) sodium. Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection Pharmacy Bulk Package is a vial containing a sterile preparation of ampicillin sodium and sulbactam sodium for parenteral use that contains many single doses.

The Pharmacy Bulk

Package is for use in a pharmacy admixture setting; it provides many single doses of ampicillin and sulbactam for injection for addition to suitable parenteral fluids in the preparation and administration for intravenous infusion (see DIRECTIONS FOR PROPER USE OF PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE section). FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE. Ampicillin-structure Sulbactam-structure

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of infections due to susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below. Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by beta-lactamase producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli * , Klebsiella spp. * (including K. pneumoniae * ), Proteus mirabilis * , Bacteroides fragilis * , Enterobacter spp. * , and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus * . NOTE: For information on use in pediatric patients see PRECAUTIONS-Pediatric Use and CLINICAL STUDIES sections. Intra-Abdominal Infections caused by beta-lactamase producing strains of Escherichia coli , Klebsiella spp. (including K. pneumoniae * ), Bacteroides spp. (including B. fragilis ), and Enterobacter spp. * Gynecological Infections caused by beta-lactamase producing strains of Escherichia coli * , and Bacteroides spp. * (including B. fragilis * ). *Efficacy for this organism in this organ system was studied in fewer than 10 infections.

While

Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP is indicated only for the conditions listed above, infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible organisms are also amenable to treatment with Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP due to its ampicillin content. Therefore, mixed infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible organisms and beta-lactamase producing organisms susceptible to Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP should not require the addition of another antibacterial. Appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be performed before treatment in order to isolate and identify the organisms causing infection and to determine their susceptibility to Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP. Therapy may be instituted prior to obtaining the results from bacteriological and susceptibility studies when there is reason to believe the infection may involve any of the beta-lactamase producing organisms listed above in the indicated organ systems. Once the results are known, therapy should be adjusted if appropriate. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION This insert is for the Pharmacy Bulk Package and is intended for preparing IV admixtures only. Dosage recommendations for intramuscular or direct intravenous injection are for informational purposes only. Infections of the respiratory tract and soft tissues. Patients weighing 40 kg (88 lbs) or more: 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours. Patients weighing less than 40 kg (88 lbs): 25 to 50 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses at 6- to 8-hour intervals. Infections of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts (including those caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae in females). Patients weighing 40 kg (88 lbs) or more: 500 mg every 6 hours. Patients weighing less than 40 kg (88 lbs): 50 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses at 6-to 8-hour intervals. In the treatment of chronic urinary tract and intestinal infections, frequent bacteriological and clinical appraisal is necessary. Smaller doses than those recommended above should not be used. Higher doses should be used for stubborn or severe infections. In stubborn infections, therapy may be required for several weeks. It may be necessary to continue clinical and/or bacteriological follow-up for several months after cessation of therapy. Urethritis in males due to N. gonorrhoeae : Adults: Two doses of 500 mg each at an interval of 8 to 12 hours. Treatment may be repeated if necessary or extended if required. In the treatment of complications of gonorrheal urethritis, such as prostatitis and epididymitis, prolonged and intensive therapy is recommended. Cases of gonorrhea with a suspected primary lesion of syphilis should have darkfield examinations before receiving treatment. In all other cases where concomitant syphilis is suspected, monthly serological tests should be made for a minimum of four months. The doses for the preceding infections may be given by either the intramuscular or intravenous route. A change to oral ampicillin may be made when appropriate.

Bacterial

Meningitis. Adults and children: 150 to 200 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 3 to 4 hours. (Treatment may be initiated with intravenous drip therapy and continued with intramuscular injections.) The doses for other infections may be given by either the intravenous or intramuscular route. Neonates (less than or equal to 28 days of postnatal age): Dosage should be based on Gestational age and Postnatal age according to Table 1.

Table

1: Dosage in Neonates (less than or equal to 28 days of postnatal age) for Bacterial Meningitis and Septicemia Gestational age (weeks) Postnatal age (days) Dosage less than or equal to 34 less than or equal to 34 greater than 34 less than or equal to 7 greater than or equal to 8 and less than 28 less than or equal to 28 100 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 12 hours 150 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 12 hours 150 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 8 hours Septicemia. Adults and children: 150 to 200 mg/kg/day. Start with intravenous administration for at least three days and continue with the intramuscular route every 3 to 4 hours. Neonates (less than or equal to 28 days of postnatal age): Dosage should be based on Gestational age and Postnatal age according to Table 1 (above). Treatment of all infections should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours beyond the time that the patient becomes asymptomatic or evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained. A minimum of 10-days treatment is recommended for any infection caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci to help prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis.

Directions For Use

For Administration by Intravenous Infusion Reconstitute as directed below ( Directions for Proper Use of Pharmacy Bulk Package ) prior to diluting with an intravenous solution. IMPORTANT: This chemical stability information in no way indicates that it would be acceptable practice to use this product well after the preparation time. Good professional practice suggests that compounded admixtures should be administered as soon after preparation as is feasible. Stability studies on ampicillin sodium at several concentrations in various intravenous solutions indicate the drug will lose less than 10% activity at the temperatures noted for the time periods stated.

Room

Temperature (25°C)

Diluent Concentrations Stability Periods Sterile

Water for Injection up to 30 mg/mL 8 hours 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP up to 30 mg/mL 8 hours 5% Dextrose Injection, USP 10 to 20 mg/mL 1 hour 5% Dextrose Injection, USP up to 2 mg/mL 2 hours 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP up to 2 mg/mL 2 hours Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP up to 30 mg/mL 8 hours Refrigerated (4°C)

Sterile

Water for Injection 30 mg/mL 48 hours Sterile Water for Injection up to 20 mg/mL 72 hours 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP 30 mg/mL 24 hours 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP up to 20 mg/mL 48 hours Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP up to 30 mg/mL 24 hours 5% Dextrose Injection, USP up to 20 mg/mL 1 hour 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP up to 10 mg/mL 1 hour Only those solutions listed above should be used for the intravenous infusion of Ampicillin for Injection, USP. The concentrations should fall within the range specified. The drug concentration and the rate and volume of the infusion should be adjusted so that the total dose of Ampicillin for Injection, USP is administered before the drug loses its stability in the solution in use. Directions for Proper Use of Pharmacy Bulk Package This Pharmacy Bulk Package glass bottle contains ampicillin sodium equivalent to 10 grams of ampicillin. It is designed for use in the pharmacy in preparing IV admixtures using aseptic technique in a laminar flow hood. a)

Add

94 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP. The resulting solution will contain 100 milligrams ampicillin activity per mL, and is stable up to ONE HOUR at room temperature. b) Dilute further within ONE HOUR to a concentration of 5 mg to 10 mg per mL. See TABLE for suitable fluid. Use promptly. This chemical stability information in no way indicates that it would be acceptable practice to use this product well after the preparation time. Good professional practice suggests that compounded admixtures should be administered as soon after preparation as is feasible. c) Using aseptic technique under a laminar flow hood, the closure should be penetrated only one time after reconstitution using a suitable sterile dispensing set which allows measured dispensing of the contents. Use of a syringe and needle is not recommended as it may cause leakage. d) After entry, use entire contents of Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle promptly. The entire contents of the Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle must be dispensed within ONE HOUR of reconstitution. This time limit should begin with the introduction of solvent or diluent into the Pharmacy Bulk Package Bottle. e) The hanger label on the Pharmacy Bulk Package provides a suitable hanging device while dispensing contents. If the Pharmacy Bulk Package does not have a hanger label, a plastic bail band will provide a suitable hanging device. Use of this product is restricted to a suitable work area, such as a laminar flow hood. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. CAUTION: Not to be dispensed as a unit.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP is contraindicated in patients with a previous history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP.

Known Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS Adult Patients: Ampicillin and sulbactam for injection is generally well tolerated. The following adverse reactions have been reported in clinical trials.

Local Adverse Reactions

Pain at IM injection site - 16% Pain at IV injection site - 3% Thrombophlebitis - 3% Phlebitis - 1.2% Systemic Adverse Reactions The most frequently reported adverse reactions were diarrhea in 3% of the patients and rash in less than 2% of the patients. Additional systemic reactions reported in less than 1% of the patients were: itching, nausea, vomiting, candidiasis, fatigue, malaise, headache, chest pain, flatulence, abdominal distension, glossitis, urine retention, dysuria, edema, facial swelling, erythema, chills, tightness in throat, substernal pain, epistaxis and mucosal bleeding.

Pediatric

Patients: Available safety data for pediatric patients treated with ampicillin and sulbactam for injection demonstrate a similar adverse events profile to those observed in adult patients. Additionally, atypical lymphocytosis has been observed in one pediatric patient receiving ampicillin and sulbactam for injection.

Adverse Laboratory Changes

Adverse laboratory changes without regard to drug relationship that were reported during clinical trials were: Hepatic: Increased AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, and LDH. Hematologic: Decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and increased lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and platelets.

Blood

Chemistry: Decreased serum albumin and total proteins. Renal: Increased BUN and creatinine. Urinalysis: Presence of RBCs and hyaline casts in urine.

Postmarketing

Experience In addition to adverse reactions reported from clinical trials, the following have been identified during post-marketing use of ampicillin and sulbactam for injection or other products containing ampicillin. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency, or potential causal connection to ampicillin and sulbactam for injection. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, and agranulocytosis have been reported. These reactions are usually reversible on discontinuation of therapy and are believed to be hypersensitivity phenomena. Some individuals have developed positive direct Coombs Tests during treatment with ampicillin and sulbactam for injection, as with other beta-lactam antibacterials.

Gastrointestinal

Disorders: Abdominal pain, cholestatic hepatitis, cholestasis, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, abnormal hepatic function, melena, gastritis, stomatitis, dyspepsia, black “hairy” tongue and Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS sections).

General

Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Injection site reaction Immune System Disorders: Serious and fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions (See WARNINGS section). Acute myocardial ischemia with or without myocardial infarction may occur as part of an allergic reaction.

Nervous System

Disorders: Convulsion and dizziness. Renal and Urinary Disorders: Tubulointerstitial nephritis. Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Dyspnea. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, angioedema, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, and urticaria (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS sections). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.. at 1-877-845-0689, or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

For Product

Inquiry call 1-877-845-0689.

Local Adverse Reactions

Pain at IM injection site - 16% Pain at IV injection site - 3% Thrombophlebitis - 3% Phlebitis - 1.2%

Adverse Laboratory Changes Adverse laboratory changes without regard to drug relationship that were reported during clinical trials were: Hepatic: Increased AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, and LDH. Hematologic: Decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and increased lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and platelets.

Blood

Chemistry: Decreased serum albumin and total proteins. Renal: Increased BUN and creatinine. Urinalysis: Presence of RBCs and hyaline casts in urine.

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

Warnings

WARNINGS SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS ON PENICILLIN THERAPY. ALTHOUGH ANAPHYLAXIS IS MORE FREQUENT FOLLOWING PARENTERAL THERAPY, IT HAS OCCURRED IN PATIENTS ON ORAL PENICILLINS. THESE REACTIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF SENSITIVITY TO MULTIPLE ALLERGENS. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE REACTIONS WHEN TREATED WITH CEPHALOSPORINS. BEFORE THERAPY WITH ANY PENICILLIN, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE CONCERNING PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLINS, CEPHALOSPORINS OR OTHER ALLERGENS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION OCCURS, APPROPRIATE THERAPY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. SERIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE. OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING INTUBATION, SHOULD ALSO BE ADMINISTERED AS INDICATED.

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Ampicillin may cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). If patients develop a skin rash, they should be monitored closely, and ampicillin discontinued if lesions progress.

Hepatotoxicity

Hepatic dysfunction, including hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice has been associated with the use of ampicillin. Hepatic toxicity is usually reversible; however, deaths have been reported. Hepatic function should be monitored at regular intervals in patients with hepatic impairment. Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ampicillin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS General A high percentage of patients with mononucleosis who receive ampicillin develop a skin rash. Thus, ampicillin class antibacterial should not be administered to patients with mononucleosis. In patients treated with ampicillin the possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur (usually involving Pseudomonas or Candida), the drug should be discontinued and/or appropriate therapy instituted. Prescribing ampicillin in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Prolonged use of antibiotics may promote the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. Should superinfection occur, appropriate measures should be taken. Patients with gonorrhea who also have syphilis should be given additional appropriate parenteral penicillin treatment. Treatment with ampicillin does not preclude the need for surgical procedures, particularly in staphylococcal infections. Information for the Patient The patient should inform the physician of any history of sensitivity to allergens, including previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins and cephalosporins (see WARNINGS ). Advise patients about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations. Instruct patients to stop taking ampicillin immediately and promptly report the first signs or symptoms of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity [see WARNINGS ]. Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterials which usually ends when the antibacterial is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterials, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible. Ampicillin should be taken with a full glass (8 oz) of water, one-half hour before or two hours after meals. Diabetic patients should consult with the physician before changing diet or dosage of diabetes medication (see PRECAUTIONS–Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions ). Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ampicillin should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When ampicillin is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment, and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ampicillin or other antibacterial drugs in the future. Repackaged By / Distributed By: RemedyRepack Inc. 625 Kolter Drive, Indiana, PA 15701 (724) 465-8762 Laboratory Tests In prolonged therapy, and particularly with high dosage regimens, periodic evaluation of the renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic systems is recommended. In streptococcal infections, therapy, must be sufficient to eliminate the organism (10 days minimum); otherwise the sequelae of streptococcal disease may occur. Cultures should be taken following completion of treatment to determine whether streptococci have been eradicated. Cases of gonococcal infection with a suspected lesion of syphilis should have darkfield examinations ruling out syphilis before receiving ampicillin. Patients who do not have suspected lesions of syphilis and are treated with ampicillin should have a follow-up serologic test for syphilis each month for four months to detect syphilis that may have been masked from treatment for gonorrhea.

Drug Interactions

When administered concurrently, the following drugs may interact with ampicillin. Allopurinol : Substantially increased incidence of skin rashes in patients receiving both drugs as compared to patients receiving ampicillin alone. It is not known whether this potentiation of ampicillin rashes is due to allopurinol or the hyperuricemia present in these patients.

Bacteriostatic

Antibiotics : Chloramphenicol, erythromycins, sulfonamides, or tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal effect of penicillins. This has been demonstrated in vitro; however, the clinical significance of this interaction is not well-documented.

Oral

Contraceptives : May be less effective and increased breakthrough bleeding may occur. Probenecid : May decrease renal tubular secretion of ampicillin resulting in increased blood levels and/or ampicillin toxicity.

Drug/Laboratory

Test Interactions After treatment with ampicillin, a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with copper sulfate tests (Benedict’s solution, Fehling’s solution, or Clinitest ® tablets) but not with enzyme based tests such as Clinistix ® and Tes-Tape ® . Following administration of ampicillin to pregnant women, a transient decrease in plasma concentration of total conjugated estriol, estriol-glucuronide, conjugated estrone and estradiol has been noted. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, or impairment of fertility in males or females.

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects

Reproduction studies in animals have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to penicillin. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, penicillin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. (See PRECAUTIONS-Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions .) Labor and Delivery Oral ampicillin-class antibiotics are poorly absorbed during labor. Studies in guinea pigs showed that intravenous administration of ampicillin slightly decreased the uterine tone and frequency of contractions, but moderately increased the height and duration of contractions. However, it is not known whether use of these drugs in humans during labor or delivery has immediate or delayed adverse effects on the fetus, prolongs the duration of labor, or increases the likelihood that forceps delivery or other obstetrical intervention or resuscitation of the newborn will be necessary.

Nursing Mothers

Ampicillin-class antibiotics are excreted in milk. Ampicillin used by nursing mothers may lead to sensitization of infants; therefore, caution should be exercised when ampicillin is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Penicillins are excreted primarily unchanged by the kidney; therefore, the incompletely developed renal function in neonates and young infants will delay the excretion of penicillin. Administration to neonates and young infants should be limited to the lowest dosage compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions Probenecid decreases the renal tubular secretion of ampicillin and sulbactam. Concurrent use of probenecid with Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of ampicillin and sulbactam. The concurrent administration of allopurinol and ampicillin increases substantially the incidence of rashes in patients receiving both drugs as compared to patients receiving ampicillin alone. It is not known whether this potentiation of ampicillin rashes is due to allopurinol or the hyperuricemia present in these patients. There are no data with Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection and allopurinol administered concurrently. Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP and aminoglycosides should not be reconstituted together due to the in vitro inactivation of aminoglycosides by the ampicillin component of Ampicillin and Sulbactam for Injection, USP.