What is Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Unasyn, Unasyn, Unasyn

Generic Names:

  • Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial infections. This medicine contains a penicillin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium used for?

Unasyn is a combination drug used to treat patients with infections caused by bacteria. This drug is a penicillin antibiotic that works to attack the bacteria.

What form(s) does Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium come in

  • Injectable

What are common Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 3 (2-1)GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 1.5 (1-0.5)GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 15 (10-5)GM

Common Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium prescriptions

  • Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium
    1.5 (1-0.5)gm solution reconstituted

  • Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium
    15 (10-5)gm solution reconstituted

  • Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium
    3 (2-1)gm solution reconstituted

How to take Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium

  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to ampicillin, sulbactam, or any penicillin antibiotic (such as penicillins or cephalosporins), or you have a history of liver problems caused by ampicillin/sulbactam.

Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium warnings

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or mononucleosis (mono).

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsSerious skin reactions

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how ampicillin/sulbactam works. Tell your doctor if you are using allopurinol, probenecid, or aminoglycoside antibiotic.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, swelling, or redness where the injection is given

  • Mild diarrhea or nausea