am-pi-SIL-in SOE-dee-um, sul-BAK-tam SOE-dee-um
Commonly used brand name(s):
In the U.S.
Available Dosage Forms:
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
Pharmacologic Class: Ampicillin
Ampicillin and sulbactam combination is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.
Ampicillin and sulbactam combination is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of medicines known as penicillins and beta-lactamase inhibitors. It works by killing the bacteria and preventing their growth. However, ampicillin and sulbactam will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
ampicillin and sulbactam is available only with your doctor's prescription.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ampicillin and sulbactam, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ampicillin and sulbactam or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ampicillin and sulbactam combination in children with skin infections. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children below 1 year of age.
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of ampicillin and sulbactam combination in children with bowel or stomach infections. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of ampicillin and sulbactam combination in geriatric patients.
Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
---|---|---|
All Trimesters | B | Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus. |
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Using ampicillin and sulbactam with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of ampicillin and sulbactam. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you ampicillin and sulbactam in a hospital. ampicillin and sulbactam is given as a shot into one of your muscles or through a needle placed in one of your veins.
Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving ampicillin and sulbactam. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.
ampicillin and sulbactam may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have itching; hives; hoarseness; shortness of breath; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you receive ampicillin and sulbactam.
Ampicillin and sulbactam combination may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.
Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking ampicillin and sulbactam. The results of some tests may be affected by ampicillin and sulbactam.
ampicillin and sulbactam may decrease the effects of some oral contraceptives (birth control pills). To avoid an unwanted pregnancy, it is a good idea to use additional contraceptive measures with your pills (e.g. condoms, a diaphragm, or a contraceptive foam or jelly) while using ampicillin and sulbactam.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less commonSome side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More commonOther side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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