Unasyn

Unasyn - Ampicillin Sulbactam

Description

Unasyn® (ampicillin sulbactam) is an injectable antibacterial indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, intra-abdominal infections and gynecological infections.

Unasyn should not be used in patients who are allergic to penicillin. Careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, and other allergens. Serious anaphylactoid reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine.

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported and can be severe.

Unasyn is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are pain at intramuscular injection site, pain at IV injection site, thrombophlebitis diarrhea and rash.

Pfizer

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Unasyn - Ampicillin and Sulbactam

Clinical Parhmacology; Indications & Dosage; Side Effects; Warnings and Precautions; Overdosage

RxList

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Unasyn

Active Ingredients: Ampicillin Sodium and Sulbactam Sodium Injection

Representative Names: Unasyn

What is ampicillin/sulbactam injection? (Back to top)

AMPICILLIN/SULBACTAM (Unasyn®) is a combination penicillin antibiotic. Ampicillin kills bacteria that cause infection, or stops the growth of bacteria. Sulbactam helps the ampicillin to work better. Ampicillin/sulbactam treats many kinds of infections of the skin, tissues, and stomach. It also treats certain infections in women (gynecological infections). Generic ampicillin/sulbactam injection is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I use ampicillin/sulbactam? (Back to top)

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•asthma
•eczema
•kidney disease
•leukemia
•mononucleosis
•stomach problems (especially colitis)
•virus infection
•other chronic illness
•an unusual or allergic reaction to ampicillin, other penicillins, imipenem, cephalosporin antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)

Ampicillin is for injection into a muscle or a vein, or for infusion into a vein. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ampicillin/sulbactam? (Back to top)

•allopurinol
•certain antibiotics given by injection
•female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
•methotrexate
•probenecid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using ampicillin/sulbactam? (Back to top)

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•dark yellow or brown urine
•dizziness
•fever or chills, sore throat
•headache
•pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site
•passing urine less often
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•seizures (convulsions)
•skin rash, itching
•stomach pain or cramps
•swelling
•severe or watery diarrhea
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•diarrhea
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•sore mouth

What should I watch for while taking ampicillin/sulbactam? (Back to top)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.If you are diabetic and taking large doses of ampicillin, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you get a skin rash, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use another method of birth control for at least one month.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)

Keep out of the reach of children.After mixing the injection solution use within 1 hour, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer. Throw away any unused injection solution.

Last Updated:09/05/2000

Drug Digest