Brand Name: Unasyn

Generic Name: Ampicillin / Sulbactam

Indications: Treatment of a variety of skin and skin structure infections, soft tissue
infections including: Otitis media, Sinusitis, Respiratory tract infections,
Genitourinary tract infections, Meningitis, and Septicemia.
Drug Classification: Anti-infective - Penicillin
Mechanism of Action:
Binds to bacterial cell wall, resulting in cell death. Addition of sulbactam increases
resistance to Beta-lactamases, enzymes produced by bacteria that may inactivate
ampicillin.
Dosage: IM, IV (Adults): 1.5-3g (1g ampicillin plus 0.5g sulbactam – 2g ampicillin plus
1g sulbactam) q 6 hr. (not to exceed 4g sulbactam/day).
Special Precaution: Severe Renal Insufficiency. Has been used during Pregnancy and
Lactation. Infectious Mononucleosis. Children less than 12 years old
Pregnancy Risk Category: B
Adverse Reactions: CNS: Seizures
Derm: Rashes, Urticaria GI: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea Hemat: Blood Dyscaras
Local: Pain at IM site, Pain at IV site
Misc: Superinfection, Allergic reactions including Anaphylaxis and Serum Sickness.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to penicillins or sulbactam
Form: Vial 375mg x 1’s; 750mg x 1’s; 1.5g x 1’s; Tab 375mg x 100’s; 750mg x 8’s; Susp
250mg/5ml x 60ml
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Assess patient for infection at beginning and throughout course of therapy.
 Obtain a history before initiating therapy to determine previous use and
reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins. Person with a negative history of
penicillin sensitivity may still have an allergic response.
 Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity prior to initiating therapy. First dose
may be given before receiving results.
 Observe patient for signs and toms of Anaphylaxis. Discontinue the drug and
notify the physician immediately if these occur. Keep Epinephrine, an
Antihistamine, and Resuscitation equipment close by in the event of an
anaphylactic reaction.
 Lab Test Consideration: May cause false-positive copper sulfate urine glucose
test; test urine with Glucose Oxidase method.