Austrapen (Ampicillin (As Sodium))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Austrapen Used For?
Austrapen is an antibiotic that contains ampicillin sodium. It belongs to a group of medicines called penicillins that work by killing bacteria causing infections.
Primary Uses
Austrapen is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It will not work against viral infections like colds or flu.
How It Works
These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Austrapen is addictive.
How to Take Austrapen
Austrapen must only be given by a doctor or nurse. It cannot be self-administered at home.
Dosage Instructions
Austrapen may be given as a slow injection into a vein or as a deep injection into a large muscle, joint, or the sac surrounding the lung. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your infection and factors like your weight. For most infections, it’s usually given in divided doses throughout the day. Each vial is used only once to reduce contamination.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Austrapen is administered by healthcare professionals, missing doses is not typically a concern for patients.
Important: Austrapen must only be given by a doctor or nurse – it cannot be self-administered.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain or redness at injection site
- Oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth)
- Vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge)
- Mild rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe skin reaction including severe rash, raised lumps, blisters or skin peeling
- Fever, flu-like feeling, body aches
- Shortness of breath, chest pain
- Wheezing
- Irregular heart beat
- Feeling faint, dizziness, feeling tired or weak
- Bruising
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, light colored stool, dark urine
- Severe abdominal or stomach cramps
- Watery and severe diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Fever with severe diarrhea
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to be aware of before receiving Austrapen treatment.
Who Should Not Take Austrapen
Do not use Austrapen if you are allergic to ampicillin, penicillins, cephalosporins, or any ingredients in the medicine. Allergic reaction symptoms may include skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to penicillins or cephalosporins, any other allergies to medicines or substances, or health conditions including asthma, kidney or liver disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Austrapen during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Austrapen and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Birth Control: Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about additional contraception methods.
- Allopurinol or probenecid (for conditions such as gout)
- Some antibiotics (tetracyclines, gentamicin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol)
- Methotrexate
- Birth control pills (effectiveness may be decreased)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Austrapen affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Austrapen generally does not cause problems with driving or operating machinery. However, like many medicines, it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness in some people. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how it affects you.
Storage
Austrapen is stored in the pharmacy or on the hospital ward. It is kept in a cool, dry place protected from light where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not use if packaging is damaged or past the expiry date.
Overdose Information
Overdose rarely happens as Austrapen is given under medical supervision. However, if too much is given, you may experience side effects. A very large overdose can cause brain problems including seizures. If you think you’ve received too much, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your infection symptoms don’t improve within a few days or become worse, tell your doctor. The exact time varies depending on the type and severity of infection.
Since Austrapen is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse, food timing is not a concern for this medication.
No, there is no evidence that Austrapen is addictive.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you get severe diarrhea, even if it occurs several weeks after Austrapen treatment has stopped. This may indicate a serious bowel condition requiring urgent medical care.
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol interactions with Austrapen. Consult your doctor for guidance.
If you develop itching with swelling, skin rash, or difficulty breathing after receiving Austrapen, contact your doctor immediately. These may be signs of an allergic reaction.
Yes, remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Austrapen. Also tell them if you need any tests, as Austrapen may affect some test results.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.