What is Ampicillin-sulbactam sodium?
Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium is an antibiotic medication that combines ampicillin, a beta-lactam antibiotic, and sulbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This combination helps to overcome resistance by inhibiting bacterial beta-lactamases, which can degrade ampicillin. Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including those that cause urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and respiratory tract infections. It works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, ultimately leading to cell death.
What is Ampicillin-sulbactam sodium used for?
Ampicillin-sulbactam sodium, commonly referred to as Unasyn, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that combines the properties of ampicillin, a penicillin derivative, with sulbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This combination results in an antibacterial agent that is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The addition of sulbactam sodium serves to protect ampicillin from bacterial beta-lactamases, thereby enhancing its stability and effectiveness.
Clinical Use and Spectrum
Ampicillin-sulbactam sodium is primarily used in the treatment of various bacterial infections, including those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. It is also effective against a number of anaerobic bacteria, such as Bacteroides fragilis. The drug is typically administered intravenously or orally in the treatment of infections involving the respiratory tract, skin and soft tissues, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary system.
Pharmacokinetics
Ampicillin-sulbactam sodium exhibits linear pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration. The drug’s peak plasma concentration occurs within 15-30 minutes after dosing, with a mean half-life of approximately 1 hour in normal volunteers. Plasma levels decline rapidly, suggesting the need for frequent or continuous infusion to maintain effective concentrations.
Adverse Effects and Precautions
The most common side effects associated with ampicillin-sulbactam sodium include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash. In rare instances, more severe reactions such as allergic interstitial pneumonitis and bone marrow suppression have been reported. Patients with penicillin allergy should exercise caution when administered this antibiotic combination.
Ampicillin-sulbactam sodium side effects
• Diarrhea • Nausea and vomiting • Abdominal pain or cramping • Headache • Dizziness • Allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing) • Stomach upset • Blood in stool • Fecal impaction • Clostridioides difficile infection • Seizures (rare)
Disclaimer
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