Principen

What is Principen used for?

Principen is a prescription medicine that is used to treat bacterial infections.

Description

Ampicillin trihydrate is a semisynthetic penicillin derived from the basic penicillin nucleus, 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Ampicillin is designated chemically as (2S, 5R, 6R)-6-[(8)-2-Amino-2-phenylacetamido]-3,3-dimethyl-t-oxo-4-thia-1- azabicyclo[3.2.0] heptane-2-carboxylic acid. The chemical formula is C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₄S·3H₂O and its molecular weight is 403.45.

This is the anhydrous form of ampicillin. It is prepared as the trihydrate form attached to 3 water (H2O) molecules.

PRINCIPEN Capsules (Ampicillin Capsules USP) for oral administration provide ampicillin trihydrate equivalent to 250 mg and 500 mg ampicillin.

Inactive ingredients: black iron oxide, gelatin, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #40, lactose monohydrate, silica gel, and titanium dioxide.

PRINCIPEN for Oral Suspension (Ampicillin for oral suspension USP) provide, after constitution, ampicillin trihydrate equivalent to 125 mg and 250 mg ampicillin per 5 mL.

Inactive ingredients: antifoam AF emulsion, Atmos 300, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red #40, lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, sucrose, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, and vanillin.

Before taking Principen, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Principen; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have mono.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Principen with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Principen?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Principen. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Principen.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on Principen for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes) and test your urine glucose, talk with your doctor to find out which tests are best to use.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Principen while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Principen best taken?

Use Principen as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• Keep using Principen as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Principen that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Fever or chills.
• Sore throat.
• Black, hairy tongue.
• Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
• Seizures.
• Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff–associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen during or a few months after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.

What are some other side effects of Principen?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Principen?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Drug Image

SRC: NLM .