Ampicillin

Ampicillin
4.45 ratingsReviews
Generic:
Ampicillin
Indications:
gonorrhea infections pneumonia salmonella
Analogs:
Principen Omnipen Amoxicillin Penicillin V Benzylpenicillin Cephalexin Cefuroxime Ceftriaxone Nitrofurantoin Ciprofloxacin Augmentin Azithromycin
In stock: 12 packs
AdultsPregnancyAllergiesDiabetesBreastfeedingChildrenDriving

Dosages

Ampicillin 250 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
10 A$10.79 - A$107.92
20 A$6.08 A$94.24 A$121.60
30 A$4.46 A$190.00 A$133.76
60 A$2.48 A$498.56 A$148.96
90 A$1.79 A$810.16 A$161.12
120 A$1.46 A$1,120.24 A$174.80
180 A$1.04 A$1,755.60 A$186.96
270 A$0.74 A$2,713.20 A$200.64
360 A$0.63 A$3,657.12 A$228.00

Ampicillin 500 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
10 A$9.88 - A$98.80
20 A$5.47 A$88.16 A$109.44
30 A$4.10 A$173.28 A$123.12
60 A$2.23 A$459.04 A$133.76
90 A$1.59 A$746.32 A$142.88
120 A$1.28 A$1,032.08 A$153.52
180 A$1.10 A$1,580.80 A$197.60
270 A$0.90 A$2,425.92 A$241.68
360 A$0.85 A$3,249.76 A$307.04

Manufacturers

Apotex Inc.Laboratorio Reig Jofre, S.A.Teofarma S.r.l.

Payment & Delivery

Package Example

Your order is carefully packed and ships within 24 hours. Here is what a typical package looks like.

Sized like a regular personal letter (approximately 24x11x0.7 cm), with no indication of what is inside.

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Delivery Times
Delivery MethodEstimated delivery
Express Free for orders over A$456.00Estimated delivery to Australia: 4-7 days
Standard Free for orders over A$304.00Estimated delivery to Australia: 14-21 days
EMSAustralia Post
Payment Methods
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Discount Coupons

  • Australia Day - 26 January 2026 10% AUSDAY10
  • Labour Day - 2 March 2026 6% LABOUR6
  • ANZAC Day - 25 April 2026 8% ANZAC8
  • King's Birthday - 8 June 2026 7% KING7
  • Boxing Day - 26 December 2026 12% BOXING12

FAQ

Yes, ampicillin requires a prescription when obtained from local pharmacies in Australia. Our store policy allows you to order ampicillin capsules without a prescription and have them sent by mail.

Do not extend an ampicillin course on your own. Ongoing symptoms can mean that the infection needs reassessment, testing, or a different treatment rather than extra capsules.

Take the missed dose when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue the usual schedule; do not take two doses together.

The regulatory status of the exact capsules supplied cannot be confirmed from the available product details. In Australia, a specific ampicillin capsule product can generally be lawfully supplied only if it is included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, unless an exemption applies.

Do not use capsules from packaging with a broken seal, damaged blister, moisture exposure or other signs that protection may be compromised. Keep the package and report the issue to our store so it can be assessed.

Ampicillin capsules are available in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths. The strength should match the dose selected for the particular infection and treatment plan.

Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used for bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. Depending on susceptibility and the clinical situation, this can include respiratory, urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections, as well as certain infections caused by enterococci, Salmonella, Shigella and other bacteria. It does not treat viral infections such as colds or flu.

Ampicillin has long clinical experience in pregnancy and is classified as Australian Pregnancy Category A when antibiotic treatment is indicated. Small amounts pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding requires caution and the infant should be monitored for diarrhoea, thrush or rash.

Common effects include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach upset and skin rash. Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, or widespread hives; these can indicate a serious allergic reaction. Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea also needs prompt medical assessment.

Ampicillin capsules are generally taken on an empty stomach because food can reduce absorption. Swallow the capsule whole with water and follow the timing and dose instructions provided for the prescribed treatment.

Description

Note: Images in the description are provided for informational purposes and may differ from the actual appearance of the product. Please refer to the product name, strength, active ingredients, and dosage form.

Ampicillin tablets are a penicillin-class (beta-lactam) antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections when the bacteria are susceptible. In Australia, they should only be used on the advice of a prescriber and exactly as directed. Antibiotics do not work for colds, flu or other viral illnesses.

How ampicillin works

Ampicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic. It kills bacteria and works in a similar way to penicillin G (benzylpenicillin). As an aminopenicillin with an amino side chain attached to the basic penicillin structure, ampicillin can better penetrate the outer membrane of some Gram-negative bacteria and has a broader spectrum of activity.

In Australia, doctors recommend understanding what ampicillin is meant to treat before using it.

Spectrum of activity

Ampicillin is similar to benzylpenicillin in its action against Gram-positive organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and other streptococci, but, with the possible exception of activity against Enterococcus faecalis, it may be slightly less potent than benzylpenicillin. Listeria monocytogenes is generally susceptible. The Gram-negative cocci Moraxella catarrhalis (Branhamella catarrhalis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and N. meningitidis may be susceptible, depending on local resistance patterns.

Ampicillin is more active than benzylpenicillin against some Gram-negative bacilli, including Haemophilus influenzae and Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella and Shigella spp. It is inactive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Ampicillin also has activity similar to benzylpenicillin against other organisms, including many anaerobes and Actinomyces spp.

Activity with other antimicrobials. Synergy has been shown between ampicillin and aminoglycosides against some organisms, including enterococci. Effects ranging from synergy to antagonism have been reported between ampicillin and other beta-lactams, bacteriostatic drugs such as chloramphenicol, and rifampicin.

Resistance. Like benzylpenicillin, ampicillin is inactivated by beta-lactamases, although other mechanisms may be responsible for resistance in some species. Resistance rates vary by region; many strains of staphylococci and some Gram-negative organisms may be resistant.

Pharmacokinetics

Ampicillin is relatively resistant to inactivation by gastric acid and is moderately well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral doses. Food can interfere with ampicillin absorption, so doses are often taken on an empty stomach (e.g. at least 30 minutes before meals). Peak plasma concentrations are reached in about 1 to 2 hours; after a 500-mg oral dose, peak levels have been reported to range from 3 to 6 mcg/mL.

Ampicillin is widely distributed and crosses the placenta; small amounts pass into breast milk. There is little diffusion into the CSF except when the meninges are inflamed. About 20% is bound to plasma proteins, and the plasma half-life is about 1 to 1.5 hours, but this may be increased in neonates, older adults and patients with renal impairment.

Ampicillin is metabolised to some extent to penicilloic acid and is eliminated mainly by the kidneys. Renal clearance occurs partly by glomerular filtration and partly by tubular secretion, and is reduced by probenecid.

Uses

Ampicillin tablets are used to treat a range of infections caused by susceptible organisms. Common examples include certain respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and skin and soft tissue infections when the causative bacteria are known or likely to be susceptible. Whenever possible, in Australian clinical practice, treatment should be guided by culture and susceptibility results.

Ampicillin vs amoxicillin

Feature Ampicillin (tablets) Amoxicillin
Drug class Aminopenicillin (beta-lactam) Aminopenicillin (beta-lactam)
Absorption and food Food can reduce absorption; often taken on an empty stomach (e.g. at least 30 minutes before meals) Generally better oral absorption; can usually be taken with or without food (follow your product label/prescriber's advice)
Dosing convenience Often requires more frequent dosing (commonly every 6 hours, depending on the infection) Often less frequent dosing (commonly every 8-12 hours, depending on the infection)
Penicillin allergy Both are penicillins. Avoid them if you have a serious penicillin allergy (e.g. anaphylaxis). Tell your clinician about any past reactions.

How to take

Take ampicillin tablets exactly as prescribed by your Australian doctor. Because food can reduce absorption, it is often taken on an empty stomach (e.g. at least 30 minutes before meals). Finish the full course unless your prescriber tells you to stop.

Side effects

Common side effects may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. Get urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g. swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing), severe skin reactions, or severe or persistent diarrhoea (which can be a sign of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea).

Clinical studies in Australia
Clinical studies in Australia on ampicillin have mainly looked at its use in common bacterial infections, including respiratory, urinary, skin and soft tissue, and obstetric or neonatal infections, often comparing it with other beta-lactam antibiotics or combination regimens. Overall, the findings generally show that ampicillin is effective against susceptible organisms, but its role has become more limited over time because of rising antimicrobial resistance and the availability of broader-spectrum or better-tolerated alternatives. More recent Australian research tends to focus less on ampicillin alone and more on stewardship, resistance patterns, and its role in guideline-based empiric therapy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: animal studies with penicillins have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and as prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Breastfeeding: ampicillin-class antibiotics are excreted in breast milk and may cause sensitisation in the infant; use with caution and contact a clinician if the baby develops rash, diarrhoea or thrush.

Administration in renal impairment

Dose adjustment may be needed in renal impairment. Follow your prescriber's instructions if you have kidney disease or are receiving dialysis.

In Australia, doctors do not recommend using ampicillin unless you understand how it should be used.

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children.

Medically reviewed by
Donna Brettler
BPharm, MPH - Pharmacologist and medical writer
Updated 11 August 2026

Customer questions

Asked by Mia, Ballarat, Australia

My ampicillin parcel was left outside at my Ballarat home on a very hot day. What should I check before taking the capsules?

Answered by Support team

Check that the pack is intact, dry and within its expiry date, and that the capsules have no unusual damage or change; keep them protected from moisture and store them at 20°C to 25°C. Do not use capsules if the packaging or capsules appear compromised.

Asked by Lachlan, Coffs Harbour, Australia

I'm in Coffs Harbour and am concerned about the trip in the post. How are ampicillin capsules protected during transport?

Answered by Support team

Capsules are a solid oral dosage form and can normally travel by post when correctly packed and handled. On arrival, check that the package is dry and intact, then store the capsules in a tightly closed container at 20°C to 25°C, protected from moisture. We cannot promise temperature-controlled transport.

Asked by Priya, Albury, Australia

I take atenolol every morning for blood pressure. Is there anything I need to know before starting ampicillin?

Answered by Support team
Medical reviewed by Donna Brettler

Ampicillin may reduce the amount of atenolol absorbed, which could affect its blood-pressure-lowering effect. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist managing your treatment so they can advise on timing and whether any monitoring is needed; do not change either medicine yourself.

Product specifications

Active ingredientAmpicillin
Drug classPenicillin antibiotic
Dosage formCapsule
Available strengths250 mg, 500 mg
RouteOral
StorageStore capsules at 20°C to 25°C in a tightly closed container, protected from moisture.
ATC codeJ01CA01

Regulatory information

Approval statusAmpicillin is authorised for therapeutic human use in Australia and is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
Prescription classificationAmpicillin in capsule form is a Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicine in Australia and must be supplied against a valid prescription.

More information