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Indications/Uses
Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is indicated for infections caused by susceptible microorganisms. Typical indications are upper and lower respiratory tract infections including sinusitis, otitis media and epiglottitis; bacterial pneumonias; urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis; intra-abdominal infections including peritonitis, cholecystitis, endometritis and pelvic cellulitis; bacterial septicemia; skin, soft tissue, bone and joint infections and gonococcal infections.
Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV may also be administered peri-operatively to reduce the incidence of post-operative wound infections in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery, in which peritoneal contamination may be present. In termination of pregnancy or cesarean section, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV may be used prophylactically to reduce post-operative sepsis.
Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV may also be administered peri-operatively to reduce the incidence of post-operative wound infections in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery, in which peritoneal contamination may be present. In termination of pregnancy or cesarean section, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV may be used prophylactically to reduce post-operative sepsis.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV can be administered by either intravenous or intramuscular routes. The following dilutions may be used: See Table 1.
For intravenous administration, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV should be reconstituted with sterile water for injection or any compatible solution (see Special Precautions for Disposal and Other Handling under Cautions for Usage). To ensure complete dissolution, allow foaming to dissipate in order to visually inspect. The dose can be given by bolus injection over a minimum of 3 minutes or can be used in greater dilutions as an intravenous infusion over 15-30 minutes.
Pfizer ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium parenteral may also be administered by deep intramuscular injection; if pain is experienced, 0.5% sterile solution for injection of lignocaine hydrochloride anhydrous may be used for reconstitution of the powder.
Use in Adults: The usual dosage range of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is 1.5 g to 12 g per day in divided doses every 6 or 8 hours up to a maximum daily dosage of sulbactam of 4 g. Less severe infections may be treated on an every-12-hours schedule. (See Table 2.)
Pfizer ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium parenteral may also be administered by deep intramuscular injection; if pain is experienced, 0.5% sterile solution for injection of lignocaine hydrochloride anhydrous may be used for reconstitution of the powder.
Use in Adults: The usual dosage range of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is 1.5 g to 12 g per day in divided doses every 6 or 8 hours up to a maximum daily dosage of sulbactam of 4 g. Less severe infections may be treated on an every-12-hours schedule. (See Table 2.)
More or less frequent dosing may be indicated depending on the severity of the illness and the renal function of the patient. Treatment is usually continued until 48 hours after pyrexia and other abnormal signs have resolved. Treatment is normally given for 5 to 14 days, but the treatment period may be extended or additional ampicillin may be administered in severely ill cases.
In treating patients on restricted sodium intake, it should be noted that 1,500 mg of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV contains approximately 115 mg (5 mmol) of sodium.
For the prophylaxis of surgical infections, 1.5-3 g of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV should be given at induction of anesthesia, which allows sufficient time to achieve effective serum and tissue concentrations during the procedure. The dose may be repeated every 6-8 hours; administration is usually stopped 24 hours after the majority of surgical procedures, unless a therapeutic course of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is indicated.
In the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV can be given as a single dose of 1.5 g. Concomitant probenecid 1.0 g orally should be administered in order to prolong plasma concentrations of ampicillin and sulbactam.
Use in Children, Infants and Neonates: The dosage of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV for most infections in children, infants and neonates is 150 mg/kg/day (corresponding to ampicillin 100 mg/kg/day and sulbactam 50 mg/kg/day).
In children, infants and neonates, dosing is usually every 6 or 8 hours in accordance with the usual practice for ampicillin.
In neonates during the first week of life (especially preterms), the recommended dose is 75 mg/kg/day (corresponding to 50 mg/kg/day ampicillin and 25 mg/kg/day sulbactam) in divided doses every 12 hours.
Use in Patients with Renal Impairment: In patients with severe impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/minute), the elimination kinetics of ampicillin and sulbactam are similarly affected and hence the plasma ratio of one to the other will remain constant. The dose of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV in such patients should be administered less frequently in accordance with the usual practice for ampicillin.
In treating patients on restricted sodium intake, it should be noted that 1,500 mg of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV contains approximately 115 mg (5 mmol) of sodium.
For the prophylaxis of surgical infections, 1.5-3 g of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV should be given at induction of anesthesia, which allows sufficient time to achieve effective serum and tissue concentrations during the procedure. The dose may be repeated every 6-8 hours; administration is usually stopped 24 hours after the majority of surgical procedures, unless a therapeutic course of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is indicated.
In the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV can be given as a single dose of 1.5 g. Concomitant probenecid 1.0 g orally should be administered in order to prolong plasma concentrations of ampicillin and sulbactam.
Use in Children, Infants and Neonates: The dosage of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV for most infections in children, infants and neonates is 150 mg/kg/day (corresponding to ampicillin 100 mg/kg/day and sulbactam 50 mg/kg/day).
In children, infants and neonates, dosing is usually every 6 or 8 hours in accordance with the usual practice for ampicillin.
In neonates during the first week of life (especially preterms), the recommended dose is 75 mg/kg/day (corresponding to 50 mg/kg/day ampicillin and 25 mg/kg/day sulbactam) in divided doses every 12 hours.
Use in Patients with Renal Impairment: In patients with severe impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/minute), the elimination kinetics of ampicillin and sulbactam are similarly affected and hence the plasma ratio of one to the other will remain constant. The dose of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV in such patients should be administered less frequently in accordance with the usual practice for ampicillin.
Overdosage
Limited information is available on the acute toxicity of ampicillin sodium and sulbactam sodium in humans. Overdosage of the drug would be expected to produce manifestations that are principally extensions of the adverse reactions reported with the drug. The fact that high CSF concentrations of β-lactam antibiotics may cause neurologic effects, including seizures, should be considered. Because ampicillin and sulbactam are both removed from the circulation by hemodialysis, these procedures may enhance elimination of the drug from the body if overdosage occurs in patients with impaired renal function.
Contraindications
The use of this combination is contraindicated in individuals with a history of an allergic reaction to any of the penicillins.
Special Precautions
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy including ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV. These reactions are more apt to occur in individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or hypersensitivity reactions to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe reactions when treated with cephalosporins. Before therapy with a penicillin, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins and other allergens. If an allergic reaction occurs, the drug should be discontinued and the appropriate therapy instituted.
Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine. Oxygen, intravenous steroids and airway management, including intubation, should be administered as indicated.
Severe skin reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), dermatitis exfoliative, erythema multiforme, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in patients on ampicillin/sulbactam therapy. If a severe skin reaction occurs, ampicillin/sulbactam should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be initiated (see Adverse Reactions).
As with any antibiotic preparation, constant observation for signs of overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, is essential. Should superinfection occur, the drug should be discontinued and/or appropriate therapy instituted.
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
Drug induced liver injury such as cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice have been associated with the use of ampicillin/sulbactam. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor if signs and symptoms of hepatic disease develop (see Adverse Reactions).
As with any potent systemic agent, it is advisable to check periodically for organ system dysfunction during extended therapy; this includes renal, hepatic and hematopoietic systems. This is particularly important in neonates, especially when premature, and other infants.
Since infectious mononucleosis is viral in origin, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV should not be used in its treatment. A high percentage of patients with mononucleosis who received ampicillin have developed a skin rash.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: None known.
Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine. Oxygen, intravenous steroids and airway management, including intubation, should be administered as indicated.
Severe skin reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), dermatitis exfoliative, erythema multiforme, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in patients on ampicillin/sulbactam therapy. If a severe skin reaction occurs, ampicillin/sulbactam should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be initiated (see Adverse Reactions).
As with any antibiotic preparation, constant observation for signs of overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, is essential. Should superinfection occur, the drug should be discontinued and/or appropriate therapy instituted.
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
Drug induced liver injury such as cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice have been associated with the use of ampicillin/sulbactam. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor if signs and symptoms of hepatic disease develop (see Adverse Reactions).
As with any potent systemic agent, it is advisable to check periodically for organ system dysfunction during extended therapy; this includes renal, hepatic and hematopoietic systems. This is particularly important in neonates, especially when premature, and other infants.
Since infectious mononucleosis is viral in origin, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV should not be used in its treatment. A high percentage of patients with mononucleosis who received ampicillin have developed a skin rash.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: None known.
Use In Pregnancy & Lactation
Fertility: Animal reproduction studies have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to ampicillin and sulbactam.
Use During Pregnancy: Sulbactam and ampicillin cross the placental barrier. Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Use During Lactation: Low concentrations of sulbactam (~0.13 up to 2.8 mg/L) and ampicillin (~0.11 up to 3 mg/L) are excreted in the milk. The use of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium by a nursing mother may lead to adverse effects such as diarrhea in the child. Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium can be used during lactation if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Use During Pregnancy: Sulbactam and ampicillin cross the placental barrier. Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Use During Lactation: Low concentrations of sulbactam (~0.13 up to 2.8 mg/L) and ampicillin (~0.11 up to 3 mg/L) are excreted in the milk. The use of ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium by a nursing mother may lead to adverse effects such as diarrhea in the child. Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium can be used during lactation if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions associated with the use of ampicillin alone may be observed with ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV.
All ADRs listed in the label are presented by MedDRA SOC. Within each frequency category, the ADRs are presented in the order of seriousness. Seriousness of the ADRs was determined by clinical importance. (See Table 3.)
All ADRs listed in the label are presented by MedDRA SOC. Within each frequency category, the ADRs are presented in the order of seriousness. Seriousness of the ADRs was determined by clinical importance. (See Table 3.)
Drug Interactions
Allopurinol: The concurrent administration of allopurinol and ampicillin substantially increases the incidence of rashes in patients receiving both drugs as compared with patients receiving ampicillin alone.
Aminoglycosides: Mixing ampicillin with aminoglycosides in vitro has resulted in substantial mutual inactivation; if these groups of antibacterials are to be administered concurrently, they should be administered at separate sites at least 1 hour apart (see Incompatibilities under Cautions for Usage).
Anticoagulants: Parenteral penicillins can produce alterations in platelet aggregation and coagulation tests. These effects may be additive with anticoagulants.
Bacteriostatic drugs (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfonamides and tetracyclines): Bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal effect of penicillins; it is best to avoid concurrent therapy.
Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives: There have been case reports of reduced oral contraceptive effectiveness in women taking ampicillin, resulting in unplanned pregnancy. Although the association is weak, patients should be given the option to use an alternate or additional method of contraception while taking ampicillin.
Methotrexate: Concurrent use with penicillins has resulted in decreased clearance of methotrexate and a corresponding increase in methotrexate toxicity. Patients should be closely monitored. Leucovorin dosages may need to be increased and administered for longer periods of time.
Probenecid: Probenecid decreases renal tubular secretion of ampicillin and sulbactam when used concurrently; this effect results in increased and prolonged serum concentrations, prolonged elimination half-life, and increased risk of toxicity.
Laboratory test interactions: False positive glycosuria may be observed in urinalysis using Benedict reagent, Fehling reagent, and Clinitest. Following administration of ampicillin to pregnant women, a transient decrease in plasma concentration of total conjugated estriol, estriol-glucuronide, conjugated estrone and estradiol has been noted. This effect may also occur with ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV.
Aminoglycosides: Mixing ampicillin with aminoglycosides in vitro has resulted in substantial mutual inactivation; if these groups of antibacterials are to be administered concurrently, they should be administered at separate sites at least 1 hour apart (see Incompatibilities under Cautions for Usage).
Anticoagulants: Parenteral penicillins can produce alterations in platelet aggregation and coagulation tests. These effects may be additive with anticoagulants.
Bacteriostatic drugs (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfonamides and tetracyclines): Bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal effect of penicillins; it is best to avoid concurrent therapy.
Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives: There have been case reports of reduced oral contraceptive effectiveness in women taking ampicillin, resulting in unplanned pregnancy. Although the association is weak, patients should be given the option to use an alternate or additional method of contraception while taking ampicillin.
Methotrexate: Concurrent use with penicillins has resulted in decreased clearance of methotrexate and a corresponding increase in methotrexate toxicity. Patients should be closely monitored. Leucovorin dosages may need to be increased and administered for longer periods of time.
Probenecid: Probenecid decreases renal tubular secretion of ampicillin and sulbactam when used concurrently; this effect results in increased and prolonged serum concentrations, prolonged elimination half-life, and increased risk of toxicity.
Laboratory test interactions: False positive glycosuria may be observed in urinalysis using Benedict reagent, Fehling reagent, and Clinitest. Following administration of ampicillin to pregnant women, a transient decrease in plasma concentration of total conjugated estriol, estriol-glucuronide, conjugated estrone and estradiol has been noted. This effect may also occur with ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV.
Caution For Usage
Incompatibilities: Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV and aminoglycosides should be reconstituted and administered separately, due to the in vitro inactivation of aminoglycosides by any of the aminopenicillins.
Special Precautions for Disposal and Other Handling: Sulbactam sodium is compatible with most intravenous solutions, but ampicillin sodium and hence ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is less stable in solutions containing dextrose or other carbohydrates, and should not be mixed with blood products or protein hydrolysates. Ampicillin and hence ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is incompatible with aminoglycosides and should not be physically mixed in the same container (see Dosage & Administration). The concentrated solution for intramuscular administration should be used within 1 hour of reconstitution. Time periods for use with different diluents for intravenous infusion are as follows: See Table 4.
Special Precautions for Disposal and Other Handling: Sulbactam sodium is compatible with most intravenous solutions, but ampicillin sodium and hence ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is less stable in solutions containing dextrose or other carbohydrates, and should not be mixed with blood products or protein hydrolysates. Ampicillin and hence ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is incompatible with aminoglycosides and should not be physically mixed in the same container (see Dosage & Administration). The concentrated solution for intramuscular administration should be used within 1 hour of reconstitution. Time periods for use with different diluents for intravenous infusion are as follows: See Table 4.
Storage
Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Action
Pharmacologic Category: Antibacterial (Penicillin-Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Combination).
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Biochemical studies with cell-free bacterial systems have shown sulbactam to be an irreversible inhibitor of most important β-lactamases that occur in penicillin-resistant organisms. While sulbactam's antibacterial activity is mainly limited to Neisseriaceae, the potential for sulbactam sodium in preventing the destruction of penicillins and cephalosporins by resistant organisms was confirmed in whole-organism studies using resistant strains, in which sulbactam sodium exhibited marked synergistic effects with penicillins and cephalosporins. Since sulbactam also binds to some penicillin-binding proteins, some sensitive strains are rendered more susceptible to the combination than to the β-lactam antibiotic alone.
The bactericidal component of the combination is ampicillin which like benzyl penicillin, acts against sensitive organisms during the stage of active multiplication by the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell-wall mucopeptide.
Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including: Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis (including penicillin-resistant and some methicillin-resistant strains); Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus faecalis and other Streptococcus species; Haemophilus influenzae and parainfluenzae (both β-lactamase positive and negative strains); Branhamella catarrhalis; anaerobes, including Bacteroides fragilis and related species; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Proteus species (both indole-positive and indole-negative), Morganella morganii, Citrobacter species, Enterobacter species, Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Pharmacokinetics: Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV diffuses readily into most body tissues and fluids in the human. Penetration into brain and spinal fluid is low except when meninges are inflamed. High concentrations of ampicillin and sulbactam are achieved in the blood following intravenous or intramuscular administration and both components have a half-life of approximately 1 hour. Most of the ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Toxicology: Preclinical Safety Data: While reversible glycogenosis was observed in laboratory animals, this phenomenon was dose-and time-dependent and is not expected to develop at the therapeutic doses and corresponding plasma levels attained during the relatively short periods of combined ampicillin/sulbactam therapy in humans.
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential. The individual components, ampicillin and sulbactam, tested negative for mutagenicity.
Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats with sultamicillin, an oral prodrug that hydrolyzes in vivo to release ampicillin and sulbactam, at doses in excess of the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Biochemical studies with cell-free bacterial systems have shown sulbactam to be an irreversible inhibitor of most important β-lactamases that occur in penicillin-resistant organisms. While sulbactam's antibacterial activity is mainly limited to Neisseriaceae, the potential for sulbactam sodium in preventing the destruction of penicillins and cephalosporins by resistant organisms was confirmed in whole-organism studies using resistant strains, in which sulbactam sodium exhibited marked synergistic effects with penicillins and cephalosporins. Since sulbactam also binds to some penicillin-binding proteins, some sensitive strains are rendered more susceptible to the combination than to the β-lactam antibiotic alone.
The bactericidal component of the combination is ampicillin which like benzyl penicillin, acts against sensitive organisms during the stage of active multiplication by the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell-wall mucopeptide.
Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including: Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis (including penicillin-resistant and some methicillin-resistant strains); Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus faecalis and other Streptococcus species; Haemophilus influenzae and parainfluenzae (both β-lactamase positive and negative strains); Branhamella catarrhalis; anaerobes, including Bacteroides fragilis and related species; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Proteus species (both indole-positive and indole-negative), Morganella morganii, Citrobacter species, Enterobacter species, Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Pharmacokinetics: Ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV diffuses readily into most body tissues and fluids in the human. Penetration into brain and spinal fluid is low except when meninges are inflamed. High concentrations of ampicillin and sulbactam are achieved in the blood following intravenous or intramuscular administration and both components have a half-life of approximately 1 hour. Most of the ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium IM/IV is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Toxicology: Preclinical Safety Data: While reversible glycogenosis was observed in laboratory animals, this phenomenon was dose-and time-dependent and is not expected to develop at the therapeutic doses and corresponding plasma levels attained during the relatively short periods of combined ampicillin/sulbactam therapy in humans.
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential. The individual components, ampicillin and sulbactam, tested negative for mutagenicity.
Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats with sultamicillin, an oral prodrug that hydrolyzes in vivo to release ampicillin and sulbactam, at doses in excess of the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus.
MedsGo Class
Penicillins
Features
Brand
Unasyn
Full Details
Dosage Strength
500 mg / 250 mg per Vial
Drug Ingredients
- Ampicillin
- Sulbactam
Drug Packaging
Powder for IM/IV Injection 1's
Generic Name
Ampicillin Sodium / Sulbactam Sodium
Dosage Form
Powder for IM/IV Injection
Registration Number
DRP-1923
Drug Classification
Prescription Drug (RX)