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Ampicillin is a prescription penicillin-class antibacterial used for infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Oral capsules are labeled for selected genitourinary infections, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, and meningitis. Treatment is reserved for infections proven or strongly suspected to involve susceptible bacteria. Ampicillin does not treat viral illnesses such as the common cold or influenza.
read more about ampicillin ...Ampicillin interferes with bacterial cell wall production during active growth. It blocks formation of the peptidoglycan structure needed for cell wall integrity, leading to bacterial death. Certain bacteria produce beta-lactamase enzymes that break down ampicillin and cause resistance, so culture and susceptibility results are considered when available.
Oral ampicillin is labeled for selected infections of the genitourinary tract, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract caused by susceptible organisms. The current capsule label also lists meningitis caused by susceptible Neisseria meningitidis. Infection site, organism susceptibility, age, body weight, kidney function, and clinical severity shape the prescribed regimen.
For adults and children weighing more than 20 kg, usual oral dosing is 250 mg four times daily for respiratory tract infections and 500 mg four times daily for genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections. Lower-weight pediatric dosing is weight based. Capsules are taken with water at least 30 minutes before or two hours after meals for greater absorption.
Serious reactions include anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions, liver injury, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and mouth or tongue irritation have also been reported. Ampicillin is contraindicated after serious hypersensitivity to ampicillin or other beta-lactam antibacterials. People with mononucleosis have a high rate of rash during ampicillin treatment.
Yes. Ampicillin is a penicillin-class antibacterial that kills susceptible bacteria by disrupting cell wall production.
No. Oral capsules are taken at least 30 minutes before or two hours after meals for greater absorption.
No. Ampicillin treats susceptible bacterial infections and does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or influenza.
Yes. Anaphylaxis and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with penicillin therapy and need immediate medical care.
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Ampicillin. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519569/. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.
Ampicillin Capsules, USP Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=7f8b1ab1-73c6-4cdf-a838-7a4554c62586&type=pdf. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.
DailyMed - AMPICILLIN capsule. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=4134cd79-c895-4e6e-b1d5-8e01c38bf2d1. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.
DailyMed - AMPICILLIN capsule, Sandoz Inc. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0a66c5c3-63bf-46e3-835e-26b555ab6954. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.