Sultamicillin

Pronunciation: pronunciation varies by local usage.

Generic name: Sultamicillin
Brand names: Unasyn (oral)
Drug class: Beta-lactam antibiotic combination (ampicillin/sulbactam prodrug)

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: India

What Sultamicillin is and how it works

Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.

What Sultamicillin is used for

Bacterial infections (respiratory, urinary, skin/soft tissue, gonococcal)

Sultamicillin is an oral prodrug that releases ampicillin (a penicillin antibiotic) together with sulbactam (a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps overcome some antibiotic-resistant bacteria). (2)

Before taking Sultamicillin

Do not take / not appropriate for

Do not take sultamicillin if you have ever had a serious hypersensitivity reaction — such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome — to ampicillin, to sulbactam, or to any other beta-lactam antibiotic, which includes all penicillins and the cephalosporins. Sultamicillin is broken down in the gut wall into ampicillin and sulbactam, so a serious allergy to either one rules it out. (all countries) (2)
Do not take sultamicillin if you have previously had cholestatic jaundice or liver dysfunction caused by ampicillin/sulbactam. Re-exposure after aminopenicillin-induced liver injury can make the injury recur, so ampicillin-containing medicines should be avoided in anyone with that history. (all countries) (2)

Tell your clinician about

Any allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, or any other antibiotic, and exactly what the reaction was.
Any previous jaundice or liver problem after taking an antibiotic.
If you have or may have infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). Ampicillin-containing antibiotics very often cause a rash in this situation, so they are generally avoided — this is a strong caution rather than an absolute contraindication.
Any kidney problem, since the dosing interval is usually extended in significant renal impairment.
Any diarrhoea that starts during or after the course, especially if it is severe or persistent, because antibiotic-associated Clostridioides difficile colitis can appear up to about two months after treatment.
All other medicines you take, including allopurinol and hormonal contraceptives.
Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

(2)

How to take Sultamicillin

General Instructions: Take sultamicillin exactly as prescribed, completing the full course even if you feel better.. Adult Dosing: Usual dose is 375-750 mg orally twice daily, set by your prescriber based on the infection.. When To Seek Review: Contact your prescriber for severe diarrhea, rash, or signs of allergic reaction.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

(2)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose — contact your prescriber or pharmacist if unsure, and do not double up.

Overdose

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. (2)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Nausea

Incidence: Reported in under 1% of patients in ampicillin/sulbactam labelling

Headache

Incidence: Reported in under 1% of patients in ampicillin/sulbactam labelling

Serious warnings

Penicillin allergy / anaphylaxis —

Action: Do not take if you have a penicillin allergy. Seek immediate medical attention for swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe rash.

Severe diarrhea (possible C. difficile infection) —

Action: Contact your prescriber promptly for severe or persistent diarrhea, especially if it starts during or after treatment.