Dosage guidance:
Dosing: Adult dosage recommendations are expressed as total grams of ampicillin/sulbactam.
Dosage forms information: Ampicillin/sulbactam is a combination product formulated in a 2:1 ratio.
Usual dosage range: IM, IV: 1.5 to 3 g every 6 hours (maximum: ampicillin/sulbactam 12 g daily) (Ref); for the treatment of infections caused by Acinetobacter spp., higher doses have been described (Ref).
Acinetobacter baumannii infection, multidrug resistant: IV: 9 g every 8 hours over 4 hours or 27 g/day over 24 hours as a continuous infusion; alternatively, may consider 3 g every 4 hours, especially if intolerance or toxicity precludes the use of higher doses. Use as part of an appropriate combination regimen whenever possible (Ref).
Anthrax, systemic (including meningitis), treatment (off-label use):
Note: Consult public health officials for event-specific recommendations.
IV: 3 g every 6 hours, in combination with other appropriate agents for ≥2 weeks; duration may be shortened and patient transitioned to oral therapy based on response and clinical judgement (Ref). Some experts suggest ≥3 weeks of IV combination therapy for patients with meningitis (Ref). After aerosol exposure, transition patients who are immunocompromised from treatment to postexposure prophylaxis; combined duration should total 60 days. Note: Administer antitoxin in addition to antibiotics for systemic anthrax (Ref).
Bite wound infection, treatment (animal or human bite) (off-label use): IV: 1.5 to 3 g every 6 hours (Ref); some experts prefer 3 g every 6 hours (Ref). Continue treatment for 1 to 2 days after resolution of infection; total duration is typically 5 to 14 days, although deep or complicated infections may require a longer duration (Ref).
Bloodstream infection (off-label use): For pathogen-directed therapy of susceptible organisms:
IV: 3 g every 6 hours (Ref). Usual duration is 7 to 14 days; individualize depending on organism, source of infection, and clinical response. A 7-day duration is recommended for patients with uncomplicated Enterobacteriaceae infection who respond appropriately to antibiotic therapy (Ref).
Odontogenic soft tissue infection, pyogenic (off-label use): IV: 3 g every 6 hours; following clinical improvement, transition to oral step-down therapy and continue antibiotics until resolution, typically for a total of 7 to 14 days. Use in addition to appropriate surgical management (eg, drainage and/or extraction) (Ref).
Pelvic infections (alternative agent):
Pelvic inflammatory disease (including tubo-ovarian abscess): IV: 3 g every 6 hours in combination with doxycycline. After 24 to 48 hours of sustained clinical improvement, may transition to oral therapy to complete 14 days of treatment (Ref).
Postpartum endometritis: IV: 3 g every 6 hours; treat until patient is clinically improved (no fundal tenderness) and afebrile for 24 to 48 hours (Ref).
Peritonitis, treatment, peritoneal dialysis (off-label route):
Note: Intraperitoneal administration is preferred to IV administration unless the patient has sepsis (Ref).
Continuous (with every CAPD exchange): Intraperitoneal: Loading dose: 1.5 g/L of dialysate added to first dialysate exchange; maintenance dose: 200 mg/L of dialysate with each subsequent dialysate exchange (Ref).
Duration: For patients with adequate clinical response, duration of therapy is ≥2 to 3 weeks depending on organism. For patients with no improvement after 5 days, remove catheter and treat with appropriate systemic antibiotics for 14 days after catheter removal (Ref).
Pneumonia (off-label use):
Aspiration pneumonia, community-acquired (nonsevere): IV: 1.5 to 3 g every 6 hours, generally for 5 days (including oral step-down therapy) (Ref).
Community-acquired pneumonia: Inpatients without risk factors for P. aeruginosa: IV: 3 g every 6 hours in combination with other agent(s) when appropriate. Total duration (including oral step-down therapy) is a minimum of 5 days; patients should be clinically stable with normal vital signs prior to discontinuation (Ref).
Hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia: IV: 3 g every 6 hours, as part of a combination regimen when appropriate. Duration of therapy varies based on disease severity and response to therapy; treatment is typically given for 7 days (Ref).
Surgical prophylaxis (off-label use): IV: 3 g within 60 minutes prior to surgical incision. Doses may be repeated in 2 hours if procedure is lengthy or if there is excessive blood loss. Note: Consider local susceptibility patterns prior to use (Ref). Postoperative prophylaxis is not recommended in clean and clean-contaminated surgeries (Ref).
Surgical site infection (eg, intestinal, GU tract, abdominal wall) (off-label use): IV: 3 g every 6 hours. Duration depends on extent and severity of infection as well as response to therapy; may switch to oral treatment when clinically improved. Note: Consult local susceptibility patterns prior to empiric use (Ref).
The renal dosing recommendations are based upon the best available evidence and clinical expertise. Senior Editorial Team: Bruce Mueller, PharmD, FCCP, FASN, FNKF; Jason A. Roberts, PhD, BPharm (Hons), B App Sc, FSHP, FISAC; Michael Heung, MD, MS.
Altered kidney function: IV:
Note: Dosage recommendations are expressed as grams of ampicillin/sulbactam combination (Ref):
Traditional intermittent infusion method (administered over ≤30 minutes) | ||
---|---|---|
CrCl |
If the usual recommended dose is 1.5 g IV every 6 hours |
If the usual recommended dose is 3 g IV every 6 hours |
CrCl ≥30 mL/minute |
No dosage adjustment necessary |
No dosage adjustment necessary |
CrCl 15 to 29 mL/minute |
1.5 g IV every 12 hours |
3 g IV every 12 hours |
CrCl <15 mL/minute |
1.5 g IV every 24 hours |
3 g IV every 24 hours |
Traditional intermittent infusion method (administered over ≤30 minutes) |
Extended infusion method (over 4 hours) |
Continuous infusion method (over 24 hours)a | |
---|---|---|---|
a The proposed renal dose adjustments are aimed at achieving pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets based on in-vitro or pharmacokinetic modeling. Clinical data are not available. | |||
b Expert opinion derived from Yokoyama 2015. Note: Doses presented in Yokoyama 2015 are in grams of sulbactam; the doses listed above are multiplied by 3 to account for both the ampicillin and sulbactam components. | |||
c Expert opinion derived from Jaruratanasirikul 2019. Note: Doses presented in Jaruratanasirikul 2019 are in grams of sulbactam; the doses listed above are multiplied by 3 to account for both the ampicillin and sulbactam components. | |||
d Lower doses may be sufficient for patients with lower albumin concentrations (eg, 1.7 to 2.4 g/dL) and isolates with lower minimum inhibitory concentrations. See Jaruratanasirikul 2019 for more patient-specific recommendations. | |||
e Expert opinion. | |||
CrCl |
If the usual recommended dose is 3 g IV every 4 hours administered over ≤30 minutes |
If the usual recommended dose is 9 g IV every 8 hours administered over 4 hours |
If the usual recommended dose is 27 g IV administered over 24 hours |
CrCl ≥90 to 130 mL/minute |
No dosage adjustment necessaryb |
No dosage adjustment necessaryc,d |
No dosage adjustment necessary |
CrCl 60 to <90 mL/minute |
No dosage adjustment necessaryb |
6 g IV every 8 hours over 4 hoursc,d |
18 g IV over 24 hoursc |
CrCl 30 to <60 mL/minute |
3 g IV every 6 hoursb |
3 g IV every 6 hours over 4 hoursc,d |
12 g IV over 24 hoursc |
CrCl 15 to 29 mL/minute |
3 g IV every 8 hoursb |
3 g IV every 8 hours over 4 hoursc,d |
9 g IV over 24 hoursc |
CrCl <15 mL/minute |
3 g IV every 12 hoursb |
3 g IV every 12 hours over 4 hourse |
6 g IV over 24 hourse |
Augmented renal clearance (measured urinary CrCl ≥130 mL/minute/1.73 m2): Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a condition that occurs in certain critically ill patients without organ dysfunction and with normal serum creatinine concentrations. Young patients (<55 years of age) admitted post trauma or major surgery are at highest risk for ARC, as well as those with sepsis, burns, or hematologic malignancies. An 8- to 24-hour measured urinary CrCl is necessary to identify these patients (Ref).
Standard dosage adjustment recommendations (usual dose 1.5 to 3 g IV every 6 hours):
IV: Traditional intermittent infusion (administered over ≤30 minutes): 1.5 to 3 g every 4 to 6 hours (Ref).
Dosage adjustment recommendations for multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infection:
IV: Continuous infusion (over 24 hours): 27 g IV administered over 24 hours.(Ref) Note: 36 g IV every 24 hours has also been modeled and may be necessary in cases with elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations; no clinical data available (Ref).
Hemodialysis, intermittent (thrice weekly): Dialyzable (39% to 63%) (Ref):
Standard dosage adjustment recommendations (usual dose 1.5 to 3 g IV every 6 hours):
IV: Traditional intermittent infusion (administered over ≤30 minutes): 1.5 to 3 g every 12 to 24 hours; administer after dialysis when scheduled dose falls on dialysis days (Ref).
Dosage adjustment recommendations for multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infection:
IV: Intermittent, extended or continuous infusion: Dose as for CrCl <15 mL/minute as presented in the A. baumannii dose adjustment table (Ref). On dialysis days, if possible, administer one of the doses after dialysis (Ref).
Peritoneal dialysis:
Standard dosage adjustment recommendations (usual dose 1.5 to 3 g IV every 6 hours):
IV: Traditional intermittent infusion (administered over ≤30 minutes): 1.5 g every 12 hours or 3 g every 24 hours (Ref).
Dosage adjustment recommendations for multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infection:
IV: Intermittent, extended or continuous infusion: Dose as for CrCl <15 mL/minute as presented in the A. baumannii dose adjustment table (Ref).
CRRT: Drug clearance is dependent on the effluent flow rate, filter type, and method of renal replacement. Recommendations are based on high-flux dialyzers and effluent flow rates of 20 to 25 mL/kg/hour (or ~1,500 to 3,000 mL/hour) unless otherwise noted. Appropriate dosing requires consideration of adequate drug concentrations (eg, site of infection) and consideration of initial loading doses. Close monitoring of response and adverse reactions (eg, neurotoxicity) due to drug accumulation is important.
Standard dosage adjustment recommendations (usual dose 1.5 to 3 g IV every 6 hours):
IV: Traditional intermittent infusion (administered over ≤30 minutes): 3 g every 8 to 12 hours (Ref).
Dosage adjustment recommendations for multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infection:
IV: Intermittent, extended or continuous infusion: Dose as for CrCl 30 to <60 mL/minute as presented in the A. baumannii dose adjustment table (Ref).
PIRRT (eg, sustained, low-efficiency diafiltration): Drug clearance is dependent on the effluent flow rate, filter type, and method of renal replacement. Appropriate dosing requires consideration of adequate drug concentrations (eg, site of infection) and consideration of initial loading doses. Close monitoring of response and adverse reactions (eg, neurotoxicity) due to drug accumulation is important.
Standard dosage adjustment recommendations (usual dose 1.5 to 3 g IV every 6 hours):
IV: Traditional intermittent infusion (administered over ≤30 minutes): Initial: 3 g followed by 1.5 to 3 g every 8 to 12 hours. Where possible, give one dose after PIRRT session (Ref).
Dosage adjustment recommendations for multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infection:
IV: Intermittent, extended or continuous infusion:
PIRRT days: Dose as for CrCl 30 to <60 mL/minute as presented in the A. baumannii dose adjustment table (Ref).
Non–PIRRT days: Dose as for CrCl <15 mL/minute as presented in the A. baumannii dose adjustment table (Ref).
The liver dosing recommendations are based upon the best available evidence and clinical expertise. Senior Editorial Team: Matt Harris, PharmD, MHS, BCPS, FAST, FCCP; Jeong Park, PharmD, MS, BCTXP, FCCP, FAST, Arun Jesudian, MD; Sasan Sakiani, MD.
Liver impairment prior to treatment initiation:
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A through C: No dosage adjustment necessary (Ref).
Refer to adult dosing.
(For additional information see "Ampicillin and sulbactam: Pediatric drug information")
Dosage guidance:
Dosing: Dosage recommendations are expressed as mg of the ampicillin component.
Dosage forms information : Unasyn (ampicillin/sulbactam) is a combination product formulated in a 2:1 ratio (eg, each 3 g vial contains 2 g of ampicillin and 1 g of sulbactam); review dosing units carefully.
General dosing:
Infants, Children, and Adolescents: IV, IM: 100 to 200 mg ampicillin/kg/day divided every 6 hours; usual maximum dose: 2,000 mg ampicillin/dose (Ref). Higher doses are necessary in some instances; see specific indications. Note: Higher dosing and alternative dosing strategies (eg, extended infusions, continuous infusions) have also been used to treat Acinetobacter baumannii infections in adults (Ref).
Endocarditis, treatment: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: IV: 200 to 300 mg ampicillin/kg/day divided every 4 to 6 hours; maximum dose: 2,000 mg ampicillin/dose. Recommended combination therapy and duration vary by causative pathogen; treatment duration is at least 4 to 6 weeks (Ref).
Osteoarticular infection: Limited data available: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: IV: 200 mg ampicillin/kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours; maximum dose: 2,000 mg ampicillin/dose (Ref).
Pelvic inflammatory disease (alternative agent): Adolescents: IV: 2,000 mg ampicillin every 6 hours in combination with doxycycline. After 24 to 48 hours of sustained clinical improvement, may transition to oral therapy to complete 14 days of treatment (Ref).
Rhinosinusitis, severe infection requiring hospitalization: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: IV: 200 to 400 mg ampicillin/kg/day divided every 6 hours for 10 to 14 days; maximum dose: 2,000 mg ampicillin/dose (Ref).
Skin and soft tissue infection: Children and Adolescents: IV: 200 mg ampicillin/kg/day divided every 6 hours for up to 14 days; maximum dose: 2,000 mg ampicillin/dose.
Surgical prophylaxis: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: IV: 50 mg ampicillin/kg/dose within 60 minutes prior to procedure; may repeat in 2 hours if lengthy procedure or excessive blood loss; maximum dose: 2,000 mg ampicillin/dose (Ref).
Children and Adolescents: IV:
CrCl ≥30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No dosage adjustment required.
CrCl 15 to 29 mL/minute/1.73 m2: Administer every 12 hours.
CrCl 5 to 14 mL/minute/1.73 m2: Administer every 24 hours.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Adverse reactions reported in adults. Also see Ampicillin.
>10%: Local: Pain at injection site (IM: 16%; IV: 3%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Phlebitis (1%), thrombophlebitis (3%)
Dermatologic: Skin rash (<2%)
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (3%)
<1%:
Cardiovascular: Chest pain, edema, substernal pain
Dermatologic: Erythema of skin, pruritus
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, flatulence, glossitis, mucous membrane bleeding, nausea, vomiting
Genitourinary: Dysuria, urinary retention
Hypersensitivity: Facial swelling
Infection: Candidiasis
Nervous system: Chills, fatigue, headache, malaise
Respiratory: Epistaxis, pharyngeal edema
Frequency not defined:
Endocrine & metabolic: Decreased serum albumin, decreased serum total protein, increased lactate dehydrogenase
Genitourinary: Hematuria
Hematologic: Basophilia, decreased hematocrit, decreased hemoglobin, decreased neutrophils, decreased platelet count, decreased red blood cells, decreased white blood cell count, eosinophilia, lymphocytopenia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, thrombocytosis
Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase
Renal: Casts in urine (hyaline), increased blood urea nitrogen, increased serum creatinine
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, bullous dermatitis (linear IgA), erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, cholestasis, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis, melanoglossia, melena, stomatitis
Hematologic & oncologic: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, positive direct Coombs test
Hepatic: Cholestatic hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice
Hypersensitivity: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis, angioedema, severe hypersensitivity reaction)
Local: Injection-site reaction
Nervous system: Dizziness, seizure
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia
Renal: Interstitial nephritis
Respiratory: Dyspnea
Hypersensitivity (eg, anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam, or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (eg, penicillins, cephalosporins), or any component of the formulations; history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with ampicillin/sulbactam
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity reactions: Serious and occasionally severe or fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy, especially with a history of beta-lactam hypersensitivity or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Patients with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity have experienced severe reactions when treated with cephalosporins. Before initiating therapy, carefully investigate previous penicillin, cephalosporin, or other allergen hypersensitivity. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue and institute appropriate therapy.
• Hepatic dysfunction: Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported (including fatalities). Toxicity is usually reversible. Monitor hepatic function at regular intervals in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Rash: Appearance of a rash should be carefully evaluated to differentiate a nonallergic ampicillin rash from a hypersensitivity reaction; rash occurs in 5% to 10% of children and is a generalized dull red, maculopapular rash, generally appearing 3-14 days after the start of therapy. It normally begins on the trunk and spreads over most of the body. It may be most intense at pressure areas, elbows, and knees.
• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment.
Disease-related concerns:
• Infectious mononucleosis: A high percentage of patients with infectious mononucleosis have developed rash during therapy; ampicillin-class antibacterials are not recommended in these patients.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dosage adjustment recommended.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Solution Reconstituted, Injection [preservative free]:
Unasyn: 3 g: Ampicillin 2 g and sulbactam 1 g (1 ea); 1.5 g: Ampicillin 1 g and sulbactam 0.5 g (1 ea)
Generic: 1.5 g: Ampicillin 1 g and sulbactam 0.5 g (1 ea); 3 g: Ampicillin 2 g and sulbactam 1 g (1 ea)
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous:
Generic: 15 g: Ampicillin 10 g and sulbactam 5 g (1 ea [DSC])
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous [preservative free]:
Unasyn: 15 g: Ampicillin 10 g and sulbactam 5 g (1 ea)
Generic: 1.5 g: Ampicillin 1 g and sulbactam 0.5 g (1 ea); 15 g: Ampicillin 10 g and sulbactam 5 g (1 ea); 3 g: Ampicillin 2 g and sulbactam 1 g (1 ea)
Yes
Solution (reconstituted) (Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium Injection)
1.5 (1-0.5) g (per each): $2.81 - $9.54
3 (2-1) g (per each): $3.84 - $19.14
Solution (reconstituted) (Ampicillin-Sulbactam Sodium Intravenous)
1.5 (1-0.5) g (per each): $6.46
3 (2-1) g (per each): $11.08 - $11.09
15 (10-5) g (per each): $27.46 - $90.00
Solution (reconstituted) (Unasyn Injection)
1.5 (1-0.5) g (per each): $9.25
3 (2-1) g (per each): $17.47
Solution (reconstituted) (Unasyn Intravenous)
15 (10-5) g (per each): $87.37
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Administer around-the-clock to promote less variation in peak and trough serum levels.
IV: Administer by slow injection over 10 to 15 minutes or as an IV infusion over 15 to 30 minutes. For some indications (eg, Acinetobacter infections), total daily dose may be administered over 24 hours as a continuous infusion (Ref). Ampicillin and gentamicin should not be mixed in the same IV tubing.
Some penicillins (eg, ampicillin, carbenicillin, ticarcillin, and piperacillin) have been shown to inactivate aminoglycosides in vitro. This has been observed to a greater extent with tobramycin and gentamicin, while amikacin has shown greater stability against inactivation. Concurrent Y-site administration should be avoided.
IM: Inject deep IM into large muscle mass; a concentration of 375 mg/mL ampicillin/sulbactam (250 mg ampicillin/125 mg sulbactam per mL) is recommended; may be diluted in sterile water or lidocaine 0.5% or lidocaine 2% for IM administration.
Intraperitoneal (off-label route): May administer continuously (with every exchange) (Ref).
Parenteral:
IM: Administer by deep IM injection.
IV: Administer by slow IV injection over 10 to 15 minutes or by intermittent IV infusion over 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid infusing concomitantly with aminoglycosides if feasible; consult drug interactions database for more information.
Bacterial infections: Treatment of skin and skin structure, intra-abdominal, and gynecological infections caused by susceptible bacteria; spectrum is that of ampicillin plus organisms producing beta-lactamases such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and anaerobes.
Anthrax, systemic; Bite wound infection, treatment (animal or human bite); Bloodstream infection; Endocarditis, treatment; Odontogenic soft tissue infection, pyogenic; Pneumonia; Surgical prophylaxis; Surgical site infections (eg, intestinal, GU tract, abdominal wall)
Refer to individual components.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acemetacin: May increase serum concentration of Penicillins. Risk C: Monitor
Allopurinol: May increase hypersensitivity effects of Ampicillin. Risk C: Monitor
Aminoglycosides: Penicillins may decrease serum concentration of Aminoglycosides. Primarily associated with extended spectrum penicillins, and patients with renal dysfunction. Risk C: Monitor
Atenolol: Ampicillin may decrease bioavailability of Atenolol. Risk C: Monitor
Bacillus clausii: Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of Bacillus clausii. Management: Bacillus clausii should be taken in between antibiotic doses during concomitant therapy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
BCG (Intravesical): Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of BCG (Intravesical). Risk X: Avoid
BCG Vaccine (Immunization): Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of BCG Vaccine (Immunization). Risk C: Monitor
Chloroquine: May decrease serum concentration of Ampicillin. Management: Separate the administration of ampicillin and chloroquine by at least 2 hours to minimize any potential negative impact of chloroquine on ampicillin bioavailability. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Cholera Vaccine: Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of Cholera Vaccine. Management: Avoid cholera vaccine in patients receiving systemic antibiotics, and within 14 days following the use of oral or parenteral antibiotics. Risk X: Avoid
Dichlorphenamide: Penicillins may increase hypokalemic effects of Dichlorphenamide. Risk C: Monitor
Fecal Microbiota (Live) (Oral): May decrease therapeutic effects of Antibiotics. Risk X: Avoid
Fecal Microbiota (Live) (Rectal): Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of Fecal Microbiota (Live) (Rectal). Risk X: Avoid
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Anti-PD-1, -PD-L1, and -CTLA4 Therapies): Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Anti-PD-1, -PD-L1, and -CTLA4 Therapies). Risk C: Monitor
Khat: May decrease serum concentration of Ampicillin. Management: Consider administering ampicillin 2 hours after khat chewing to avoid reductions in ampicillin bioavailability. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Lactobacillus and Estriol: Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus and Estriol. Risk C: Monitor
Lanthanum: May decrease serum concentration of Ampicillin. Management: Administer oral ampicillin at least two hours before or after lanthanum. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Methotrexate: Penicillins may increase serum concentration of Methotrexate. Risk C: Monitor
Mycophenolate: Antibiotics may decrease active metabolite exposure of Mycophenolate. Specifically, concentrations of mycophenolic acid (MPA) may be reduced. Risk C: Monitor
Probenecid: May increase serum concentration of Sulbactam. Management: Recommendations for management of this interaction vary by specific sulbactam-containing product. Coadministration of probenecid with sulbactam/durlobactam is not recommended, but no specific actions are recommended for ampicillin/sulbactam. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Sodium Benzoate: Penicillins may decrease therapeutic effects of Sodium Benzoate. Risk C: Monitor
Sodium Picosulfate: Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of Sodium Picosulfate. Management: Consider using an alternative product for bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy in patients who have recently used or are concurrently using an antibiotic. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Tegoprazan: May decrease serum concentration of Ampicillin. Risk C: Monitor
Tetracyclines: May decrease therapeutic effects of Penicillins. Risk C: Monitor
Typhoid Vaccine: Antibiotics may decrease therapeutic effects of Typhoid Vaccine. Only the live attenuated Ty21a strain is affected. Management: Avoid use of live attenuated typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) in patients being treated with systemic antibacterial agents. Postpone vaccination until 3 days after cessation of antibiotics and avoid starting antibiotics within 3 days of last vaccine dose. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Vitamin K Antagonists: Penicillins may increase anticoagulant effects of Vitamin K Antagonists. Risk C: Monitor
Both ampicillin and sulbactam cross the placenta (Foulds 1986; Maberry 1992).
Due to pregnancy-induced physiologic changes, some pharmacokinetic properties of ampicillin/sulbactam may be altered (Chamberlain 1993; Foulds 1986).
As a class, penicillin antibiotics are widely used in pregnant patients. Based on available data, penicillin antibiotics are generally considered compatible for use during pregnancy (Ailes 2016; Bookstaver 2015; Crider 2009; Damkier 2019; Lamont 2014; Muanda 2017a; Muanda 2017b).
Recommendations for using ampicillin/sulbactam in the management of Bacillus anthracis during pregnancy are available. Maternal infection with B. anthracis may cause preterm labor, fetal infection, fetal distress, or fetal loss. Maternal death may also occur. Ampicillin/sulbactam is a first line option for the treatment of systemic anthrax (with or without CNS involvement) during pregnancy. The dose of ampicillin/sulbactam in pregnant and postpartum patients is the same as in nonpregnant adults (CDC [Bower 2023]; Meaney-Delman 2014).
Untreated intra-amniotic infection (chorioamnionitis) may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes (including pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis) in the newborn. Maternal complications may include postpartum uterine atony with hemorrhage, endometritis, peritonitis, sepsis, or adult respiratory distress syndrome. Ampicillin/sulbactam is an alternative option for the treatment of intra-amniotic infection (ACOG 2017).
Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended prior to all cesarean deliveries unless the patient is already receiving an appropriate antibiotic. A single dose of a targeted antibiotic administered within 60 minutes prior to the delivery is recommended; ampicillin/sulbactam has been evaluated for this purpose, although other antibiotics may be preferred (consult current recommendations) (ACOG 2018).
Ampicillin and sulbactam are present in breast milk.
A review article notes the exposure of ampicillin and sulbactam to a breastfeeding infant would be ~1% to 2% of a typical adult dose (Foulds 1986).
Recommendations for using ampicillin/sulbactam in the management of B. anthracis in breastfeeding patients are the same as in pregnancy. Exposure to anthrax is not considered a contraindication to breastfeeding. However, if there are active cutaneous lesions on the breast, contact with the infant should be avoided and feeding from the affected breast should not occur until >48 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy (CDC [Bower 2023]; Meaney-Delman 2014).
The manufacturer recommends that caution be used if administering to breastfeeding patients. Ampicillin is considered compatible with breastfeeding when used in usual recommended doses. In general, antibiotics that are present in breast milk may cause nondose-related modification of bowel flora. Monitor infants for GI disturbances (WHO 2002).
Also refer to the Ampicillin monograph.
Some products may contain sodium.
With prolonged therapy, monitor hematologic, renal, and hepatic function; monitor for signs of anaphylaxis during first dose. In patients with preexisting hepatic impairment, monitor hepatic function at regular intervals.
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which in turn inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, thus inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis. Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes (autolysins and murein hydrolases) while cell wall assembly is arrested. The addition of sulbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, to ampicillin extends the spectrum of ampicillin to include some beta-lactamase-producing organisms.
Ampicillin: See Ampicillin monograph.
Sulbactam:
Distribution: Widely distributed to bile, blister, and tissue fluids; poor penetration into CSF with uninflamed meninges; higher concentrations attained with inflamed meninges.
Vd:
Children ≤12 years: 0.34 ± 0.12 L/kg (Nahata 1999).
Adults: 0.36 L/kg (Foulds 1986).
Protein binding: 38%.
Half-life elimination: Children ≤12 years (normal renal function): Mean: 0.81 ± 0.12 hours (Nahata 1999); Adults (normal renal function): 1 to 1.3 hours; Note: Elimination kinetics of both ampicillin and sulbactam are similarly affected in patients with renal impairment, therefore, the blood concentration ratio is expected to remain constant regardless of renal function.
Excretion: Urine (~75% to 85% as unchanged drug) within 8 hours.
Anti-infective considerations:
Parameters associated with efficacy:
Ampicillin: See Ampicillin monograph.
Sulbactam (in combination with ampicillin):
Time dependent; associated with time free drug concentration (fT) > minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC):
Acinetobacter baumannii: Goal: ≥40% to 60% fT > MIC (bactericidal) (Yokoyama 2014; Yokoyama 2015).
Expected drug exposure in patients with normal renal function:
Children ≤12 years of age: Cmax (peak): IV:
15- to 40-minute infusion, steady state: Ampicillin 26.7 to 53.3 mg/kg/dose and sulbactam 13.3 to 26.7 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours: Ampicillin: 177 to 200 mg/L; sulbactam: 81.9 to 102 mg/L (Nahata 1999).
Adults: Cmax (peak):
Note: Adult doses are expressed as the combined amount of ampicillin and sulbactam.
IV: 15-minute infusion, single dose:
1.5 g: Ampicillin: 40 to 71 mg/L; sulbactam: 21 to 40 mg/L.
3 g: Ampicillin: 109 to 150 mg/L; sulbactam: 48 to 88 mg/L.
IM:
1.5 g: Ampicillin: 8 to 37 mg/L; sulbactam: 6 to 24 mg/L.