What is Principen used for?
AMPICILLIN is a combination of penicillin and antibiotic. It helps to kill or stop the growth of certain bacteria. This medicine is used for the treatment of many kinds of infections, like urinary, respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and bone infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
What should my health care professional know before I use Principen?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- bowel disease, like colitis
- heart disease
- kidney diseases
- liver diseases
- seizures disorder
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ampicillin, other penicillins or antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Principen should be taken?
This medicine should be taken orally accompanied with a full glass of water. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. It should never be taken with food. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You should be taking all of your medicine as prescribed even if you feel better or think that you do. Doses should never be skipped; neither should you stop the treatment course prematurely.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Principen?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Principen with the other medicine/food/etc?
- allopurinol
- birth control pills
- chloroquine
- methotrexate
- probenecid
- some other antibiotics like erythromycin, tetracycline
Provide your physician with a list of all the medicine, including herbs and non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you are using. Do let them know if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any of the illegal drugs or drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine, causing undesired consequenses. Please always consult with your health care professional prior to stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Principen?
Inform your doctor or health care professional if there is no improvement to your symptoms or if you get new symptoms following the usage of this drug.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Get in touch with your doctor if you have diarrhea lasting for more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose tests. If you use such tests, talk with your health care professional.
Your birth control pills may become ineffective during the treatment course with this medicine. Consult with your doctor regarding the use of an extra contraception method during this course.
Does Principen have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- issues with breathing
- dark urine
- fever
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- pain when swallowing
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- seizures
- unusual bleeding, bruising
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- sore mouth, tongue
- stomach upset
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Principen?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.