Principen (Ampicillin)

Principen Information:

Principen (generic name: Ampicillin) is used for the treatment of a variety of infections caused by bacteria in the body. Ampicillin which is the active ingredient; is also an antibiotic belongs to the group of drugs called penicillin. It treats infections such as ear infections, bladder infections also known as cystitis, pneumonia, gonorrhoea, E.coli infections and salmonella infections. Ampicillin works similarly to some other penicillin antibiotics: it stops the bacteria from multiplying by preventing the bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from the environment and to keep the bacterial cells held together. Without this cell wall, the bacteria cannot survive or multiply and spread. Ampicillin has been in use for the treatment of bacterial infections since 1961. It is not recommended that penicillin antibiotics be used on a regular basis, as the body builds up a resistance to its effects, and therefore doctors will generally only prescribe Principen when it is entirely necessary. Antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of flu, colds, or other viral infections – it is only effective in bacterial infections.

Principen Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Principen including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, vaginal itching, headache, swollen tongue, black or hairy tongue or thrush of the mouth or genitals. More serious side effects may include fever, sore throat, headache, severe blistering or peeling of the skin, diarrhea, bloody stools, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, urination less, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior and seizures. If you experience any side effects you must seek medical attention immediately for safety.

Principen Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Principen to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Principen comes in capsule form. You should swallow Principen whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break or chew tablets as this may cause too much of the drug to be released at once. As withal antibiotics, you must take the entire course that is prescribed to you; even if you begin to feel better otherwise an infection may reoccur. Principen should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat.

Principen Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Principen, you should avoid taking it and inform your doctor. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions including asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, mononucleosis, history of diarrhea when taking antibiotics or a history of any type of allergy. You must consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Principen, including amoxicillin, carbenicillin, dicloacillin, oxacillin or any other type of penicillin, allopurinol, maethotrexate, probenecid, sulfa drugs or tetracycline antibiotics. It is important that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding as Principen may cause harm to unborn and new born babies. Antibiotics cause the contraceptive pill to become inactive; it is therefore advisable to use other forms of contraceptives while taking the drug such as condoms. This should be continued for up to 7 days after taking your last antibiotic tablet.