Ampicillin sulbactam
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Ampicillin/sulbactam, the combination of ampicillin with sulbactam (an irreversible beta-lactamase inhibitor), has an antimicrobial spectrum similar to that of amoxicillin-clavulanate that includes methicillin-sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae (but not resistant strains of Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and anaerobes. The agent has been used effectively to treat polymicrobial intra-abdominal and pelvic infections. It may also be used for soft tissue infections secondary to human or animal bites.[1]
Category
Aminopenicillins
US Brand Names
Unasyn®
FDA Package Insert
Description | Clinical Pharmacology | Microbiology | Indications and Usage | Contraindications | Warnings | Precautions | Adverse Reactions | Overdosage | Clinical Studies | Dosage and Administration | Compatibility, Reconstitution, and Stability | Directions For Use | How Supplied | Other Size Packages Available | Labels and Packages
Mechanisms of Action
Ampicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins which in turn inhibits the transpeptidation (cross-linking) of peptidoglycan. Thus, cell wall assembly is interrupted and bacteria are lyzed by autolysins and murein hydrolases. Sulbactam irreversibly inhibit plasmid-mediated beta-lactamaseswhich are frequently accountable for drug resistance. In addition, sulbactam has modest activity in vitro against strains of Acinetobacter baumannii.[2] The presence of sulbactam in the formulation extends the spectrum of ampicillin to include beta-lactamase producing strains.
References
- ↑ Lode, HM. (2008). "Rational antibiotic therapy and the position of ampicillin/sulbactam". Int J Antimicrob Agents. 32 (1): 10–28. doi:10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.02.004. PMID 18539004. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help) - ↑ Higgins, PG.; Wisplinghoff, H.; Stefanik, D.; Seifert, H. (2004). "In vitro activities of the beta-lactamase inhibitors clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam alone or in combination with beta-lactams against epidemiologically characterized multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains". Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 48 (5): 1586–92. PMID 15105109. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help)