Generic / Brand Mechanism of Indications/ Contraindication Adverse Reactions/ Nursing Considerations/

Name Action Pharmacokinetic Side Effects Client Teaching

Generic Name: Action: Pharmacokinetics: Hypersenitivity to Adverse Reactions: Nursing Considerations
Ampicillin-Sulbactam Binds to The addition of penicillins or sulbactam CNS:
bacterial cell sulbactam to ampicillin -Seizures  Assess patient for
wall, resulting infection at beginning
enhances the effects Ampicillin/sulbactam is -Lethargy
Brand Name: in cell death. and throughout
Unasyn Addition of of ampicillin. Ampicillin contraindicated in -Hallucinations
course of therapy
sulbactam is a time-dependent individuals who have a -Anxiety
increases antibiotic. history of a penicillin -Depression  Obtain a history
Classification: resistance to allergy. Symptoms of Twitiching coma before initiating
Anti-infective- Beta- Its bacterial killing is allergic reactions may Derma: theraphy to
Penicillin lactamases, largely related to the range from rash to -Skin rashes determine previous
enzymes use and reactions to
time that drug potentially life-threatening GI:
Route: produced by penicillins or
Intravenous bacteria that concentrations in the conditions, such as -Nausea
cephalosporins.
may inactivate body remain above the anaphylaxis. Patients who -Vomiting Person with a
Dose: ampicillin minimum inhibitory have asthma, eczema, -Diarrhea negative history of
Adult: 1.5-3g (1g concentration. The hives or hay fever are GU: penicillin sensitivity
ampicillin + 0.5g duration of exposure more likely to develop -Oliguria may still have an
sulbactam – 2g will thus correspond to undesirable reactions to -Proteinuria allergic response
ampicillin + 1g
how much bacterial any of the penicillins. -Hematuria
sulbactam) q 6hr.
killing will occur. -Dysuria
(not to exceed 4g  Obtain specimens for
sulbactam/day) Hema: culture and
This means that longer -Anemia sensitivity prior to
durations of adequate -Increased bleeding time initiating therapy.
concentrations are -Bone marrow depression First dose may be
more likely to produce Local: given before
therapeutic success. -Pain at IV site receiving results
However, when
 Observe patient for
ampicillin is given in signs and symptoms
combination with of Anaphylaxis.
sulbactam, regrowth of Discontinue the drug
bacteria has been and notify the
seen when sulbactam physician
levels fall below immediately if these
certain concentrations. occur. Keep
Epinephrine, an
The two drugs have Antihistamine, and
Resuscitation
similar
equipment close by
pharmacokinetic in the even of an
profiles that appear anaphylactic reaction
unchanged when
given together.