Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin - Oral

Ampicillin and Flucloxacillin are combined in this medicine.

Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections that affect the ears, nose, lungs, throat, skin, and soft tissues.

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes or 1 hour before a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin is available as a capsule or oral suspension.

If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.

Take Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as penicillins (e.g. amoxicillin) and cephalosporins (e.g. cefuroxime).

Alert your doctor if you have a history of liver disease associated with the use of Flucloxacillin as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• acute or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells called lymphocytes)
• malnutrition (nutrient imbalance due to insufficient or excessive dietary intake)
• infectious mononucleosis (a viral infection obtained through kissing)
• syphilis (a type of sexually transmitted disease [STD])
• leptospirosis (a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with the urine of infected animals)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for urine sugars), inform your doctor that you are taking Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs of allergic reactions may also be needed.

Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and muscle or joint pain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
• frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating, unusual bleeding or bruising
• abnormal heartbeat, mood changes, confusion, weakness, change in balance, seizures, loss of appetite
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline
• medicines for gout (high uric acid level in the blood) e.g. probenecid, allopurinol
• paracetamol (medicine for fever and pain)
• methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
• birth control pills

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ampicillin + Flucloxacillin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect the capsule from heat, light, and moisture.

Refrigerate the oral suspension between 2-8°C once you have mixed the powder with water. Do not freeze it otherwise, it will become less effective. Throw away unused portion after 14 days.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.