Ampicillin

Pronounced am-pi-SIL-in

Brand names: Principen

Type: Penicillin antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

What Ampicillin is used for

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Meningitis (hospital)
  • Infections during labor to protect newborns
  • Certain gut and respiratory infections

◆ Kidney note

Dose is given less often when kidney function is significantly reduced.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Sore mouth or tongue

Important cautions

  • True penicillin allergy can be life-threatening — always tell your care team about any past reaction

How it comes

Capsules, liquid, injection (hospital). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.