sulbaktam

Sulbactam is a medication primarily used in combination with certain antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-lactamase inhibitors. Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by some bacteria that can inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, making them ineffective. Sulbactam works by inhibiting this beta-lactamase enzyme, thereby protecting the antibiotic from degradation and restoring its activity against bacteria that would otherwise be resistant.

The most common combination is with ampicillin, marketed as Sultamicillin or Unasyn in some regions. This combination is effective against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including strains that produce beta-lactamase. Sulbactam itself has weak antibacterial activity. Its primary role is to enhance the efficacy of the co-administered antibiotic.

Sulbactam is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly. It is indicated for infections such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. The specific antibiotic it is combined with and the duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the susceptibility of the causative bacteria. Side effects are generally mild and can include gastrointestinal disturbances, rash, and injection site pain. It is important to use sulbactam-containing combinations as prescribed by a healthcare professional.