Generic name: Ampicillin
Brand names: Principen
What is Principen (Ampicillin)?
Principen (Ampicillin) is a popular medicament that has been labeled as a penicillin-type antibiotic. It curtails a wide variety of bacterial infections like gastrointestinal, bone, respiratory, skin, urinary infections. It will not work for other viral infections, colds or flu. Ask your medical practitioner or pharmacist for more information about the salutary influence of this product.
What important information should I know about Principen?
Do not finish your course of Principen, even if you start to feel better. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.
The combination of alcohol and Principen may cause flushing and a fast heart rate. It is important to use alcohol carefully during treatment with this drug. Principen may make you dizzy or deteriorate your coordination. Be very careful about operating machinery, doing hazardous tasks, driving, climbing until you know how you react to this medicament. Always make known to a physician before giving Principen to a child.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Before using Principen inform your medic about:
- heart disorders (such as heart rhythm problems)
- bowel disease (colitis)
- liver or kidney disease
- allergy to ampicillin, other penicillins or antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- seizures or epilepsy
- diabetes
- a stomach infection or diarrhea
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
How to take Principen?
Principen is available in pills or liquid to take orally. The usual starting oral dosage is 250 to 500 milligrams (mg). It should be taken at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food, at regular intervals. The pills should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush or break them. Noroxin is taken with some water. It is better to drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking Principen to protect your kidneys.
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medicament evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose. The amount of Noroxin is based on individuals and the diseases being treated. It is obviously to inquire your doctor before to take Principen. Follow his/her instructions thoroughly.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Principen?
If you forget to take a dose of Principen, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose.
What should you do if you overdose of Principen?
Taking any medicine in excess you can have serious consequences for your health. If you are overdosed report to your medical practitioner at once.
In large doses, Principen may give rise to the following conditions:
- seizures
- agitation
- muscle spasms
- coma
- weakness
- pain in the fingers or toes
- loss of feeling in the fingers or toes
- confusion
- pain
- twitching.
What drug(s) may interact with Principen?
- allopurinol
- birth control pills
- chloroquine
- methotrexate
- probenecid
- some other antibiotics like erythromycin, tetracycline
This is not a complete list of interactions. Detail information you may receive at your health care professional.
Ask your medic about the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
What side-effects may occur?
- Allergic reaction ( skin rash or swelling; difficulty breathing; swelling of your tongue
- or throat
- or lips
- or face; itching; hives)
- Problems with breathing
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine
- Fever, chills
- Fatigue, faintness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Loss of appetite
- Thirst or dry mouth, nose, or throat
If these persist or worsen, provide your health care provider instantly. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you have other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Principen be stored?
Principen should be stored at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Principen out of the reach of children and away from pets.
He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.