Ampicillin and sulbactam is a combination medicine used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.
Ampicillin and sulbactam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use ampicillin and sulbactam if you are allergic to any type of penicillin antibiotic.
You should not use ampicillin and sulbactam if you are allergic to any type of penicillin antibiotic, or if you have:
- a history of liver problems (hepatitis or jaundice) while using ampicillin and sulbactam.
- liver disease;
- mononucleosis (also called "mono");
- kidney disease;
- an allergy to a cephalosporin antibiotic such Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and many others; or
- any other allergies.
Ampicillin and sulbactam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ampicillin Sulbactam Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- thrush (white patches inside your mouth or throat);
- sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
- swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue;
- mild or occasional diarrhea;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- mild skin rash; or
- pain, swelling, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle.
Ampicillin Sulbactam Interactions
Other drugs may interact with ampicillin and sulbactam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Ampicillin Sulbactam Dosage
Ampicillin and sulbactam is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.Ampicillin and sulbactam is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ampicillin and sulbactam will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
You may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
This medication can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ampicillin and sulbactam.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
After mixing your medicine, you will need to use it within a certain number of hours. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at cool room temperature, or in a refrigerator). Carefully follow the mixing and storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
