sultamicillin

Sultamicillin is a prodrug of ampicillin and sulbactam, an antibacterial medication. It is an orally administered combination of ampicillin, a beta-lactam antibiotic, and sulbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Sulbactam protects ampicillin from degradation by bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes, thus extending its spectrum of activity against certain resistant bacteria.

The drug is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. These infections can include respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and intra-abdominal infections. Sultamicillin is effective against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

After oral administration, sultamicillin is hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract to release ampicillin and sulbactam into the bloodstream. Ampicillin then exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, while sulbactam prevents the inactivation of ampicillin by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria.

Common side effects associated with sultamicillin include gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Allergic reactions, including rash and itching, can also occur. As with other penicillin-class antibiotics, hypersensitivity reactions are a potential concern. Sultamicillin is generally contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.