Medications and Drugs

Causes of Fatigue Slideshow Is Sleepiness Hurting You?

GENERIC NAME: AMPICILLIN WITH SULBACTAM - ORAL (amp-eh-SILL-in WITH sull-BACK-tam)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication contains ampicillin, an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Sulbactam makes the ampicillin more effective.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication as prescribed. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with meals. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. 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, resulting in a relapse of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache, itching and fatigue during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while taking this medication. Symptoms include: skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, hives, chest pain, facial swelling. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially to penicillin or other antibiotics). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.