Ampicillin

Ampicillin
4.48 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 C$4.52 - C$45.22
20 C$2.42 C$42.00 C$48.44
30 C$1.78 C$82.18 C$53.48
60 C$1.02 C$210.28 C$61.04
90 C$0.74 C$340.06 C$66.92
120 C$0.39 C$495.32 C$47.32
180 C$0.36 C$748.86 C$65.10
270 C$0.34 C$1,127.98 C$92.96
360 C$0.34 C$1,504.72 C$123.20

Ampicillin 500 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
10 C$5.05 - C$50.54
20 C$2.72 C$46.62 C$54.46
30 C$2.05 C$90.02 C$61.60
60 C$0.72 C$260.26 C$42.98
90 C$0.66 C$395.78 C$59.08
120 C$0.62 C$532.14 C$74.34
180 C$0.58 C$805.98 C$103.74
270 C$0.56 C$1,213.66 C$150.92
360 C$0.55 C$1,623.02 C$196.42

Manufacturers

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

Payment & Shipping

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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Shipping Times
Shipping MethodEstimated delivery
Express Free for orders over C$420.00Estimated delivery to Canada: 4-7 days
Standard Free for orders over C$280.00Estimated delivery to Canada: 14-21 days
EMSCanada Post
Payment Methods
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Discount Coupons

  • Victoria Day - May 18, 2026 8% VICTORIA8
  • Canada Day - July 1, 2026 10% CANADADAY10
  • Labour Day - September 7, 2026 6% LABOUR6
  • Thanksgiving (Canada) - October 12, 2026 9% THANKS9
  • Boxing Day - December 26, 2026 12% BOXING12

Brand Names

Also known as (by country):
CountryBrand Names
Canada
Apo-Ampi

FAQ

Ampicillin requires a prescription when purchased from local pharmacies in Canada. Our store policy allows customers to order ampicillin capsules without a prescription and have them sent by mail.

Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule; do not take two doses together.

Do not extend an ampicillin course without clinical reassessment. Ongoing or returning symptoms can mean the infection needs a different evaluation, testing, or treatment rather than more of the same antibiotic.

Yes. These capsules contain ampicillin as the active ingredient. The supplied product may differ from a brand-name product in manufacturer, capsule appearance, packaging, and inactive ingredients.

A different appearance alone does not prove that a capsule is incorrect. Compare the package label for ampicillin, the prescribed strength, capsule dosage form, manufacturer, lot number, expiry date, and any imprint; do not use it until a discrepancy in the ingredient, strength, imprint, seal, or condition has been checked.

Ampicillin capsules are available in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths. The appropriate strength and number of capsules depend on the prescribed treatment plan.

Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used for susceptible bacterial infections, including certain respiratory, urinary tract, gastrointestinal, and Salmonella infections. It may also be used for infections caused by susceptible streptococci, enterococci, Haemophilus influenzae, and other bacteria; it does not treat viral infections.

During pregnancy, ampicillin should be used only when clearly needed and after a clinician has assessed the infection and treatment options. Ampicillin passes into breast milk in small amounts; breastfeeding may require caution and monitoring of the infant for diarrhoea, thrush, rash, or possible sensitization.

Take ampicillin capsules by mouth with water, preferably on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Swallow the capsules whole and take doses at evenly spaced intervals according to the prescribed regimen; the dose and treatment length depend on the infection.

Common effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach upset, and rash. Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread blistering rash, or severe or persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea.

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, ingredients, and dosage form.

Ampicillin tablets are a penicillin-class (beta-lactam) antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections when the bacteria are susceptible. Use them exactly as prescribed-antibiotics do not work for colds, flu, or other viral illnesses.

Antimicrobial action

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.

Spectrum of activity

Ampicillin is similar to benzylpenicillin in its activity 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 not active 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. Variable 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 (for example, at least 30 minutes before meals). Peak plasma concentrations are reached in about 1 to 2 hours; after a 500-mg oral dose, reported peak levels 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 longer in neonates, older adults, and patients with renal impairment.

Ampicillin is metabolized 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 it is reduced by probenecid.

Uses

In Canada, ampicillin tablets are used to treat a variety of infections caused by susceptible organisms. In Canadian practice, whenever possible, 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 (for example, at least 30 minutes before meals) Generally better oral absorption; can usually be taken with or without food (follow your product label or prescriber's instructions)
Dosing convenience Often requires more frequent dosing (commonly every 6 hours, depending on the infection) Often requires 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 (for example, anaphylaxis). Tell your clinician about any past reactions.

How to take

Take ampicillin tablets exactly as prescribed. Because food can reduce absorption, they are often taken on an empty stomach (for example, at least 30 minutes before meals). Finish the full course unless your prescriber tells you to stop.

Side effects

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

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.

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

Storage

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

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

Customer questions

Asked by Megan, Saskatoon, Canada

My last ampicillin order looked different from the capsules I received this time. What should I compare before taking them?

Answered by Support team

Compare the active ingredient, strength, capsule dosage form, manufacturer, package label, lot number, expiry date, and any capsule imprint. Different manufacturers can use different colours or markings, but do not take the capsules if the label, strength, seal, or physical condition appears wrong.

Asked by Daniel, Ottawa, Canada

My ampicillin package was delivered in Ottawa during a very cold spell. What should I check before using the capsules?

Answered by Support team

Keep the package and check that the capsules and packaging are dry, intact, and within the labelled expiry date. Store capsules at 20°C to 25°C in a tightly closed container protected from moisture.

Asked by Priya, Victoria, Canada

I recently had mononucleosis, and I have now been prescribed ampicillin for a possible bacterial infection. Is there anything important to know?

Answered by Support team
Medical reviewed by Donna Brettler

Ampicillin can cause a prominent rash in people with infectious mononucleosis, often due to Epstein-Barr virus. Make sure the prescriber knows about the recent mononucleosis before starting treatment so the diagnosis and antibiotic choice can be reviewed.

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

Marketing authorizationAmpicillin is authorized for human therapeutic use in Canada.
Prescription statusAmpicillin capsules are classified as a prescription medication and require an authorized practitioner's prescription.

More information