General Description: A broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used to treat many bacterial infections in dogs and cats (ex. skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory and urinary tract infections). Ampicillin is available as capsules, or may be used as an injection given at your veterinary clinic.
What is this drug?
A semi-synthetic member of the penicillin class; an antibiotic
Most often given by injection at veterinary hospitals but oral forms are used
Reasons for prescribing:
Often used in: skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory infections and bladder infections in dogs and cats
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to penicillin or another antibiotic before
Use with caution in pregnant pets
Use with caution in very small animals who may be dehydrated or have kidney or heart disorders
Directions:
For liquids, shake well before accurately measuring the dose.
Give by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian.
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is normally given two to four times daily, at least for 7-10 days.
Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Finish the entire course of treatment.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store powder (before reconstitution) and tablets at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
After reconstitution, refrigerated oral suspension is stable for 14 days; and stable for 7 days if kept at room temperature.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
People with allergies to penicillins or beta-lactam antibiotics should not handle this drug since allergic reactions could occur from contact.
Potential side effects:
Nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea may be experienced. Give the capsules or suspension with food to reduce effect.
Allergic reactions are rare, but if your pet shows irregular breathing, rash, fever, hives, scratching, puffiness or facial swelling, or anything else unusual, stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, rifampin, tetracyclines and probenecid.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
This is just a summary of information about ampicillin. If you have any questions or concerns about ampicillin or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, ampicillin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
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