Why has my veterinarian prescribed Ampicillin for my dog?
Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic penicillin-type antibiotic effective against a range of infections caused by gram positive and gram negative bacteria. This medication has been prescribed for your dog to treat a bacterial infection.
How do I give Ampicillin to my dog?
- Give this medication to yourdog as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- Give this medication to your dog on an empty stomach one hour before feeding or two hours after feeding.
- Keep oral suspension in the refrigerator, shake well before measuring the dose and measure the dose with reasonable care. Discard any unused suspension after 14 days.
- Give this medication to your pet until it is all gone, even if it appears the pet is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.
- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
- DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
What do I do if I miss giving my pet a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
How do I store this medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store capsules in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- The liquid medication should be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing. Discard any unused liquid medication after 14 days.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- Ampicillin may cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. These symptoms may go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.
- The following reactions are rare, but if the pet experiences an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your dog.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with ampicillin: chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline and aminoglycosides.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
