Ampicillin + Sulbactam
Introduction To Ampicillin + Sulbactam
Ampicillin + Sulbactam is a combination of two antibiotics. It is prescribed to treat various types of bacterial infections. It fights against the infection by killing the microorganisms.
Ampicillin + Sulbactam is generally administered by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. Depending on the severity of your underlying illness, your doctor will decide the precise dose and schedule as per which this injection is to be given. It is strictly advised to be used as per the doctor's prescription.
Common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, you may notice some injection site reactions like pain, swelling, or redness. Consult your doctor if these do not get better or persist for a longer duration of time.
Before using the medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotics or have any kidney or liver problems. Your doctor may change the dose or prescribe a different medicine. This medicine is generally safe to use during pregnancy if used under a doctor's supervision, however, you should consult with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Uses of Ampicillin + Sulbactam
- Treatment of Bacterial infections
Benefits of Ampicillin + Sulbactam
Treatment of Bacterial infections
Ampicillin + Sulbactam used to treat certain bacterial infections such as sinusitis (sinus
infection), gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease), and infections of the
ears, stomach, and urinary tract. It stops the growth of bacteria, thereby
clearing the infection. This further reduces the discomforts associated with
various infections and helps in early recovery. It is advisable to continue
taking it as long as it is prescribed even when you feel better, to make sure
that all bacteria are killed.
Side effects of Ampicillin + Sulbactam
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Sultapro
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fungal infection
- Itching
- Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
- Low blood platelets
- Increased white blood cell count (eosinophils)
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Increased bilirubin in the blood
Severe side effects of Sultapro
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Erythema multiforme
- Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin)
- Urticaria
- Increased liver enzymes
- Abnormal liver function
- Pseudomembranous colitis
How to use Ampicillin + Sulbactam
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Ampicillin + Sulbactam works
Ampicillin + Sulbactam is a combination of two medicines: Ampicillin and Sulbactam. Ampicillin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering which is essential for the survival of bacteria. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor which reduces resistance and enhances the activity of Ampicillin against bacteria.
Quick tips
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You have been prescribed this combination medicine to treat bacterial infections even if they have developed resistance.
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Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
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Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Taking probiotics along with Ampicillin + Sulbactam may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice bloody stools or develop abdominal cramps.
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Stop taking Ampicillin + Sulbactam and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.
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Do not use leftover medicine for treating any infection in the future. Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotic.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Ampicillin + Sulbactam if I’m pregnant?
Ampicillin + Sulbactam is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingCAUTION
Can I take Ampicillin + Sulbactam if I’m breastfeeding?
Ampicillin + Sulbactam should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be held until the treatment of the mother is completed and the drug is eliminated from her body.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Ampicillin + Sulbactam safe?
Consuming alcohol with Ampicillin + Sulbactam does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Ampicillin + Sulbactam?
It is not known whether Ampicillin + Sulbactam alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Ampicillin + Sulbactam if I have/had kidney diseases?
Ampicillin + Sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Ampicillin + Sulbactam may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Ampicillin + Sulbactam if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Ampicillin + Sulbactam in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Ampicillin + Sulbactam?
Ampicillin + Sulbactam is a combination of two medicines. It is used to treat bacterial infections like tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, boils, abscesses, cellulitis, wound infection, bone infection and oral cavity infections. The medicine works by killing the harmful bacteria that cause infection.
Q. Is it safe to use Ampicillin + Sulbactam?
Ampicillin + Sulbactam is safe to use when taken as advised by the doctor. However, in some patients, it may cause common side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic reaction, etc. If you experience any persistent problem while taking this medicine, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Q. How is Ampicillin + Sulbactam administered?
Ampicillin + Sulbactam should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Ampicillin + Sulbactam.
Q. Are there any specific cautions associated with the use of Ampicillin + Sulbactam?
The use of Ampicillin + Sulbactam is considered to be harmful for patients with known allergy to penicillins or any other ingredient of the medicine. It should not be used in patients with a history of liver disease. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines.
Q. Can the use of Ampicillin + Sulbactam cause contraceptive failure?
Yes, the use of Ampicillin + Sulbactam can lower the efficacy of birth control pills. Consult your doctor and seek advice regarding the use of other methods of contraception (e.g., condom, diaphragm, spermicide) while you are taking Ampicillin + Sulbactam.
Q. Can I take a higher than the recommended dose of Ampicillin + Sulbactam?
No, Ampicillin + Sulbactams should be taken at the recommended dose only. Overdose of Ampicillin + Sulbactam can increase the risks of side effects. Ampicillin + Sulbactam may take some time to show its full effect and treat your infection, be patient. If you are experiencing increased severity of your symptoms, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Ampicillin + Sulbactam?
Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.
Q. Can Ampicillin + Sulbactam cause an allergic reaction?
Yes, Ampicillin + Sulbactam can cause an allergic reaction. It is considered to be harmful for patients with known allergy to penicillins. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of allergic reaction like hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Q. Can the use of Ampicillin + Sulbactam cause diarrhea?
Yes, the use of Ampicillin + Sulbactam can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. In addition to that, it can also affect the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and cause diarrhea. In case you experience diarrhea, drink plenty of water or other fluids. Talk to your doctor if diarrhea persists and you notice any signs of dehydration, like less frequency of urination with dark colored and strong-smelling urine. Do not take any other medicine without consulting a doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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