Antibiotic (Penicillin-type)
Brand of Ampicillin
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Ampicillin is an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria responsible for infections in your body. It belongs to the penicillin family and stops bacteria from building their protective walls, which causes them to die off.
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking, resulting in bacterial cell wall weakening and death. This bactericidal action is effective against a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For adults, the usual dose is 250mg to 500mg (1 to 2 capsules of 250mg) taken every 6 hours — that means 4 times a day. Take it on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes to 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating, with a full glass of water. Your doctor may increase the dose for serious infections like typhoid. Always complete the full course even if you feel better.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
Always complete the full course of ampicillin as prescribed, even if you feel better after 2 or 3 days — stopping early can cause the infection to return stronger and become resistant to treatment. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and not from roadside vendors or market sellers, as fake or expired antibiotics are common in Nigeria and can be dangerous. Do not share your ampicillin with family or friends — what works for your infection may not work for theirs, and misuse of antibiotics is a serious problem.
Ampicillin can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills (contraceptives), so use an additional method like condoms while taking it. Taking ampicillin together with methotrexate (used for arthritis or cancer) can increase harmful side effects of methotrexate. Allopurinol (used for gout) taken with ampicillin increases the chance of getting a skin rash. There is no major interaction with alcohol, but it is best to avoid alcohol when you are fighting an infection so your body can recover properly.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Ampicillin with your other drugs?
Ampicillin is generally considered safer than many other antibiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but you should always consult your doctor before taking it to be sure it is appropriate for your situation.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in your car. Keep the capsules in their original container with the lid tightly closed. If using the suspension (syrup), store it in the fridge after mixing and use within 7 to 14 days as stated on the pack. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Genuine packaging for Impilin Capsule
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NAFDAC Number
04-2283
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