Pentrexyl is a brand of ampicillin in Mexico, Ecuador, Kuwait, Lebanon , Serbia and several other countries. Pentrexyl ampicillin is an antibiotic used to prevent and treat a number of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, salmonellosis, and endocarditis. It may also be used to prevent group B streptococcal infection in newborns.
Pentrexyl belongs to the drug class penicillins. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. It works by killing bacteria to stop the infection from growing in your body. Pentrexyl oral capsule is a prescription drug, it also comes as an oral suspension and in an intravenous (IV) form, which is only given by a healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Pentrexyl if you are allergic to ampicillin or any similar antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Moxatag, and others), dicloxacillin, nafcillin, or penicillin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
• diabetes;
• hay fever (seasonal allergy);
• asthma;
• diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics;
• kidney disease; or
• an allergy to a cephalosporin antibiotic.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Pentrexyl can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.
You should not breast-feed while using Pentrexyl.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take Pentrexyl?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Take ampicillin on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.
If you use this medicine long-term, your kidney function, liver function, and blood cells may need to be checked.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Pentrexyl will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Very severe infections may need to be treated for several weeks.
Pentrexyl can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Pentrexyl.
What happens if I miss a dose of Pentrexyl?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose on Pentrexyl?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Pentrexyl?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
What are the side effects of Pentrexyl side effects?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• blisters, ulcers, or soreness in your mouth;
• skin rash, redness, or itching;
• fever, chills, sore throat, swollen glands, joint pain, or not feeling well;
• pale skin, cold hands and feet; or
• feeling light-headed or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• rash;
• swollen, black, or “hairy” tongue; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
