Sulbactam was developed and approved for medical use in the 1980s to treat serious multi-drug resistant bacterial infections in combination with other antibiotics.

Sulbactam is most commonly used in combination to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Treatment of some severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter and ESBLs (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase) infections, such as those of the lower respiratory tract, bacteremia/sepsis, meningitis, surgical wounds, and the urinary tract, when more widely used systemic antibacterial agents may be contraindicated or may be ineffective due to bacterial resistance.

Sulbactam is available only as an injection given either intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle) by the healthcare provider. It is available in two different strengths, such as 1mg and 2mg injections.

Sulbactam can cause some side effects like any other drug. The most common are injection site pain (usually minimized by diluting with local anesthesia by the physician), thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation), and diarrhea. Serious adverse effects might include life-threatening allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, and fever. Sometimes, it can be fatal if you are allergic to penicillin/other antibiotics. If any severe or unusual side effects appear, seek medical help immediately.

Sulbactam is contraindicated in individuals with a history of allergy to penicillins and patients with mononucleosis (a viral infection). Small amounts of Sulbactam are excreted in breast milk. Hence, it is not recommended during breastfeeding. Sulbactam is prescribed when you have a proven or suspected bacterial infection. Otherwise, you have a high risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria.

Sulbactam may interact with various medications, so tell your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Tell your doctor if you are taking probenecid before taking sulbactam because it may reduce the efficacy of sulbactam. Always communicate concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective medicine use. It is excreted in small amounts in breast milk. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medication.

Serious and fatal hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) will occur if you are allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics. Hence, inform your doctor if you get any symptoms of allergic reactions, like rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing. Sulbactam is prescribed when you have proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection; otherwise, you may have the risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria. Take this medicine exactly as directed. If you miss any doses, the efficiency of the treatment could be compromised, and there is a greater chance that the bacteria will become resistant to Sulbactam and other antibacterial medications. 

Older patients may be prone to specific adverse effects due to their compromised renal function and require close monitoring. Hence, maintaining regular follow-ups both during and after therapy is important. Sulbactam may make you feel lightheaded when combined with other antibiotics. Hence, avoid driving or using heavy machinery after taking the medication. The safety of the medicine during pregnancy is unknown. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking the medication.

1. Ciplamed, Food and Drug Administration (FDA),[Revised on Sep 2014] [Accessed on Sep 2023] https://ciplamed-library.com/content/sulbacip-iv-injection 

2. Pfizer, Food and Drug Safety Administration (FDA), [Rrevised on Jan 2012] [Accessed on Sep2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/050608s040lbl.pdf

3. La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, Waltham, Food and Drug Safety Administration (FDA) [Revised May 2023] [Accessed on Sep 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/216974Orig1s000Correctedlbl.pdf 

4.La Renon Healthcare; [Accessed on Sep 2023] http://www.larenon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/kiviza_one_page_lbl.pdf

5. Basil V. P. et al., Ampicillin/Sulbactam, published Oct 2022,[Accessed on sep2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526117/

6. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Beta-lactam antibiotics, 7th edition, 2013, 725.

7. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Penicillins, cephalosporins, and other beta-lactam antibiotics, 12th edition, 2011, 1501.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.