Principen (Ampicillin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 8, 2012

Principen

Strep Throat »

What is strep throat?

While many people use the terms sore throat, tonsillitis, and strep throat interchangeably, there are significant clinical differences between these conditions. Understanding the differences can give patients a better idea of how and when to be concerned and when to seek advice from a physician.

Strep throat is only one of many possible causes of throat infection and sore throat. While strep throat is most common in children and adolescents, it can affect people of all ages.

What causes sore throat?

Sore throat has many causes. The most common causes of sore throat are infections of the throat and the surrounding structures. Any inflammation or infection of the pharynx, tonsils, esophagus (the food pipe), or larynx (the top opening part of the windpipe) may cause sore throat.

What are the tonsils and tonsillitis?

The tonsils are red, oval clumps of tissue locat...

Read the Strep Throat article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Principen

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

How Smoking Affects Your Looks Slideshow Pictures

Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

font size

Principen Capsules
(ampicillin) Capsules, USP 250mg and 500mg
Principen for Oral Suspension
(ampicillin) for Oral Suspension, USP 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Ampicillin trihydrate is a semisynthetic penicillin derived from the basic penicillin nucleus, 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Ampicillin is designated chemically as (2S, 5R, 6R)-6-[(8)-2-Amino-2-phenylacetamido]-3,3-dimethyl-t-oxo-4-thia-1- azabicyclo[3.2.0] heptane-2-carboxylic acid. The chemical formula is C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₄S·3H₂O and its molecular weight is 403.45.

This is the anhydrous form of ampicillin. It is prepared as the trihydrate form attached to 3 water (H2O) molecules.

PRINCIPEN Capsules (Ampicillin Capsules USP) for oral administration provide ampicillin trihydrate equivalent to 250 mg and 500 mg ampicillin.

Inactive ingredients: black iron oxide, gelatin, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #40, lactose monohydrate, silica gel, and titanium dioxide.

PRINCIPEN for Oral Suspension (Ampicillin for oral suspension USP) provide, after constitution, ampicillin trihydrate equivalent to 125 mg and 250 mg ampicillin per 5 mL.

Inactive ingredients: antifoam AF emulsion, Atmos 300, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red #40, lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, sucrose, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, and vanillin.

What are the possible side effects of ampicillin (Principen)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
urinating less than usual or not at...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Principen »

What are the precautions when taking ampicillin (Principen)?

Before taking ampicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis).

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to this drug.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Ampicillin...

Read All Potential Precautions of Principen »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/29/2005
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.