What Alternate Names Are There For Ampicillin/sulbactam? Unasyn
How is Ampicillin/sulbactam (Ampicillin/sulbactam-Inj) Pronounced? amp-eh-SILL-in WITH sull-BACK-tam
Who is the Manufacturer of Ampicillin/sulbactam? Baxter
What is Ampicillin/sulbactam Used For? Ampicillin/sulbactam is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as skin infections, gynecological infections or infections of the abdomen.
How To Use Ampicillin/sulbactam
Ampicillin/sulbactam is given intravenously. It may be injected into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip or diluted in fluid and given slowly over a 30 to 60 minute period into a vein. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to use Ampicillin/sulbactam until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
Ampicillin/sulbactam Side Effects
Ampicillin/sulbactam may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, gas or nausea as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. Notify your doctor if you experience: itching, chest pain, skin rash, swelling of the face/hands/or feet, difficulty breathing, difficult or painful urination, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, sore throat, a swollen tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Ampicillin/sulbactam Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially to penicillin or other antibiotics). Use of Ampicillin/sulbactam for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Ampicillin/sulbactam should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of Ampicillin/sulbactam are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Ampicillin/sulbactam Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all the medications you take (prescription and nonprescription) especially of: probenecid, tetracyclines, allopurinol. Ampicillin/sulbactam may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Diabetics should be aware Ampicillin/sulbactam may affect certain glucose test results. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to monitor your glucose levels. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Ampicillin/sulbactam Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.
Missed Ampicillin/sulbactam Dose
If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose.
Ampicillin/sulbactam Storage
Ampicillin/sulbactam must be stored properly. Review storage instruction with your doctor or pharmacist. Intravenous bags are to be stored in the refrigerator. Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. Check expiration date before using. Store vial at room temperature away from sunlight.
