Ampicillin-Sulbactam

Ampicillin-Sulbactam is an antimicrobial formulation composed of a third-generation aminopenicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This combination synergistically acts to counteract bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, especially those resistant to conventional penicillin therapy due to beta-lactamase production.

Ampicillin_structure

Sulbactam

Sultamicillin_schematic

The amalgamation of ampicillin and sulbactam sodium has been strategically designed to leverage the broad-spectrum antibiotic properties of ampicillin while countering bacterial resistance through the beta-lactamase inhibitory action of sulbactam.

Liver Safety[edit | edit source]

When administered parenterally, this drug combination might occasionally lead to mild and transient aminotransferase elevations. Furthermore, acute liver injury linked to ampicillin and sulbactam is extremely rare but noteworthy.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

The underlying principle behind the combination is to bolster the activity of ampicillin. While ampicillin (am" pi sil' in) itself is a potent third-generation aminopenicillin, its efficacy can be compromised by bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes that hydrolyze its structure. Sulbactam (sul bak' tam) acts as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, preventing this degradation and ensuring the continued antibacterial activity of ampicillin against susceptible bacteria.

FDA Approval[edit | edit source]

The FDA gave its nod to this combination therapy in 1986, acknowledging its potential in managing bacterial infections that show resistance to other treatments.

Clinical Uses[edit | edit source]

The current therapeutic indications encompass:

Moderate-to-severe skin and skin structure infections
Intra-abdominal infections
Gynecological infections

It demonstrates effectiveness against a plethora of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including but not limited to:

Beta-lactamase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus
Escherichia coli
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Proteus mirabilis
Bacteroides species
Enterobacter species
Neisseria meningitidis and gonorrhoeae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

The combined therapy is procurable both generically and under the proprietary name "Unasyn".

Dosage and Administration[edit | edit source]

For optimal therapeutic outcomes:

Administer 1.5 to 3 grams either intramuscularly or intravenously
Dosing frequency should be every 6 hours
The recommended treatment duration ranges from 7 to 14 days, contingent upon the severity and response to the therapy.

Summary[edit | edit source]

Ampicillin-Sulbactam presents a robust solution in the realm of antibacterial therapy, especially when confronting bacterial strains resistant to standard treatments. However, like all medicines, prudent use following the prescribed regimen is vital to maximize benefits and minimize potential risks.

Ampicillin-Sulbactam Resources
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