334 amoxicillin, ampicillin
amoxicillin
(Amoxifar, Amoxil, Himox,
Megamox, Sumoxil)
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic of the
penicillin family used to treat many kinds
of infections. Because of high levels of
drug resistance, it is less useful than
previously.
Important: Take with food. If you do not
start to get better in 3 days, get medical
help. You may need a different medicine.
Side effects: Diarrhea, rash, nausea,
vomiting. May cause yeast infection in
women, or rash on a baby or child’s
bottom.
Often comes in: Tablets of 250 and
500 mg
How to use:
For bladder infection (see page 105),
take 500 mg 3 times a day for 3 days.
For chlamydia, take 500 mg by mouth
3 times a day for 7 days.
For drug combinations for vaginal
discharge, see page 162.
For kidney infection (see page 106),
take 500 mg by mouth 3 times a day for
7 days.
For infection of the womb after
childbirth, take 1 gram 3 times a day
for 10 days (also use other medicines, see
page 248).
Other medicines that may work:
For bladder or kidney infection:
cefixime, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole,
nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin
For womb infection after birth:
ampicillin, doxycycline, metronidazole
WARNING: Do not use if allergic to
medicines of the penicillin family.
ampicillin
(Amcil, Ampicin, Omnipen,
Penbritin, Polycillin)
Ampicillin is an antibiotic of the penicillin
family used to treat many kinds of
infections. Because of high levels of
drug resistance, it is less useful than
previously.
Important: Take ampicillin before
eating. If you do not start to get better
in 3 days, look for medical help. You
may need another medicine.
Side effects: May cause stomach upset,
diarrhea, and rash.
Often comes in: Tablets or capsules of
250 and 500 mg
How to use:
For womb infection during
pregnancy, take 500 mg 4 times a day
until you can get medical attention.
For infection during labor, give 2 g by
mouth 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
For infection after birth (see page
248), give 2 g by mouth 4 times a day
until fever has been gone for 48 hours.
Give other antibiotics too.
Other drugs that may work:
For womb infection during
pregnancy: metronidazole
For womb infection after birth:
amoxicillin, doxycycline, metronidazole
WARNING: Do not use ampicillin
if you are allergic to medicines of
the penicillin family.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007