Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Ampicillin for Injection, USP (Sterimax)
What is AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP used for:
AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP is used to treat certain infections of the:
- Ear
- Nose
- Throat
- Lower Respiratory tract
- Antibacterial drugs like AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections.
How does AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP work?
AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP is an antibiotic that works by:
- Stopping the growth of bacteria.
- Killing bacteria.
What are the ingredients in AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP?
Medicinal ingredients: Ampicillin Sodium
Each gram of ampicillin sodium for injection contains approximately 60 mg, or approximately 6-8% sodium.
AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP comes in the following dosage forms:
AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP is supplied as a dry powder in vials containing: 250 mg, 500 mg, 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg or 10,000mg of ampicillin base as the sodium salt.
Do not use AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP or other medicines such as cephalosporins or penicillins.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- Have severe kidney disease with or without significant liver disease
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breast feeding or planning to breastfeed.
Other warnings that you should know:
AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP may affect certain urine test results. Remind your healthcare professional that you are taking AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP if a urine test is ordered.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP:
- Allopurinol, used to treat gout or kidney stones
How to take AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP:
- Although you may feel better early in treatment, AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP should be used exactly as directed.
- Misuse or overuse of AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP (resistance). This means that AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP may not work for you in the future.
- Do not share your medicine.
Usual Dose:
Adults: Your doctor will decide your dose based on your infection. The usual dose is 250 mg – 500 mg every 6 hours.
Children: Your doctor will decide your child’s dose based on your child’s weight and their infection.
Overdose:
If you think you have taken too much AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
What are possible side effects from using AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
- Upper stomach pain
- Flatulence
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor for any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Serious side effects and what to do about them:
| Symptom/effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Rare | an allergic reaction (difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face or tongue; hives or a rash) | ✓ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| redness, or itching | ✓ | |||
| severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea | ✓ | |||
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR) (severe skin reactions that may also affect other organs):
| ✓ |
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
|---|
How to store AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP:
Dry Powder: Store the dry powder at controlled room temperature not exceeding 25°C.
Reconstituted Solutions: Use sterile water for injection as the only diluent.
Reconstituted solutions should be used within 1 hour when kept at controlled room temperature not exceeding 25°C. Protect reconstituted solutions from freezing.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about AMPICILLIN FOR INJECTION, USP:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full Prescribing Information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website www.sterimaxinc.com, or by calling 1-800-881-3550.
SteriMax Inc.
2770 Portland Drive
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6R4