A female client has been prescribed ampicillin (Principen). What should the nurse emphasize when instructing the client about the medication?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Do not become pregnant while on ampicillin.
2. If taking oral contraceptives, use an alternative form of birth control.
3. Ampicillin should be taken on an empty stomach.
4. Contact the health care provider immediately if persistent diarrhea with fever occurs.
5. Stop taking ampicillin if nausea occurs and report to the health care provider immediately.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2,3,4
Rationale 1: Ampicillin is a category B drug and is safe to use while pregnant.
Rationale 2: Ampicillin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Rationale 3: Food decreases the absorption of ampicillin.
Rationale 4: Persistent diarrhea with fever should be reported immediately to the health care provider.
Rationale 5: Some antibiotics cause nausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach. There is no need to report this immediately to a health care provider unless the client is unable to take the antibiotic.
Global Rationale: Ampicillin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Because food decreases its absorption, ampicillin should be taken on an empty stomach. Diarrhea is a common occurrence when taking ampicillin, but if the diarrhea is persistent and fever continues the health care provider should be consulted.