Cefotaxime+sulbactam
About
Cefotaxime+sulbactam belongs to the class of medications called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat bacterial infections. Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Symptoms of bacterial infection vary depending on the organ affected by bacteria.
Cefotaxime+sulbactam is a combination of two medicines: Cefotaxime and Sulbactam. Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It has bactericidal action (kills bacteria). It works by preventing the formation of the cell wall (the outer protective layer of bacteria, which is essential for its survival) by preventing protein synthesis. Sulbactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase. Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by bacteria that can destroy antibiotics (cefotaxime).
Cefotaxime+sulbactam will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. The common side effects of Cefotaxime+sulbactam are pain and swelling at the injection site, skin rash, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Cefotaxime+sulbactam if you are allergic to penicillin, any cephalosporin antibiotic or its contents. Before taking Cefotaxime+sulbactam, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes or using other antibiotics. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop using Cefotaxime+sulbactam as it may lead to antibiotic resistance (bacteria become resistant to antibiotics). Cefotaxime+sulbactam is probably safe when used in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and elderly people. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may not interact with alcohol. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of Cefotaxime+sulbactam
Medicinal Benefits
Cefotaxime+sulbactam contains Cefotaxime and Sulbactam. Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic, whereas Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Cefotaxime+sulbactam has broad-spectrum activity and is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It makes the drug effective in multiple serious bacterial infections including infections of the bloodstream (septicemia), bones (osteomyelitis), the heart valves (endocarditis), the membranes protecting the brain (meningitis) and the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis) and to prevent and treat infections following surgeries.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefotaxime+sulbactam
- Pain at the injection site
- Swelling at the injection site
- Skin rash
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Colitis (inflammation of the intestine)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Cefotaxime+sulbactam may cause false-positive results when a urine test is performed to determine glucose levels, so let your doctor know that you are taking this medicine before undergoing laboratory tests. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may contain sodium, so this medicine should be used with caution in people who are on a low-sodium diet. In individuals who were prescribed Cefotaxime+sulbactam for more than ten days, blood counts should be regularly monitored. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may cause a skin reaction called Steven-Johnson syndrome. So, stop taking Cefotaxime+sulbactam and inform your doctor immediately if you notice a rash, blistering of the skin or itching while using Cefotaxime+sulbactam. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop the medication as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefotaxime+sulbactam may interact with penicillin antibiotics (mezlocillin and azlocillin), aminoglycoside antibiotics (streptomycin, neomycin, and gentamicin), diuretic or water pill (furosemide), and medicine used to treat gout (probenecid).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cefotaxime+sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems and diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedCefotaxime+sulbactam may not interact with alcohol.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedCefotaxime+sulbactam is a category B medicine and may not cause harmful effects to the unborn baby. So, it is probably safe when used in pregnant women, when prescribed by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedCefotaxime+sulbactam is probably safe when used in breastfeeding mothers, when prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
cautionCefotaxime+sulbactam may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionCefotaxime+sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCefotaxime+sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedCefotaxime+sulbactam is probably safe when used in children. However, the doctor may have to adjust the dose based on age, body weight and health condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of Cefotaxime+sulbactam to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.
- Include more fiber-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fiber-rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Cefotaxime+sulbactam as they can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Cefotaxime+sulbactam in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
- If you are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics such as streptomycin and gentamicin, your kidney function should be regularly monitored.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply and infect the body. It can target any organ of the body and multiply very quickly. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses (like sore throat and ear infections) to severe brain infections (like meningitis and encephalitis). When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills and fatigue. A few harmful bacteria that commonly cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and E. coli. Anyone can get a bacterial infection but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections.
FAQs
Cefotaxime+sulbactam is used to treat bacterial infections. It contains Cefotaxime and Sulbactam. Cefotaxime reduces the infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. It disrupts the formation of the cell wall (outer layer), which is essential for bacteria's survival. Sulbactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase, an enzyme produced by the bacteria to destroy antibiotics (cefotaxime).
People allergic to penicillin should not take Cefotaxime+sulbactam as they may develop cross-sensitivity (sensitivity to drugs with similar structures). Cefotaxime+sulbactam contains cefotaxime, which has a similar structure to that of penicillin.
The common side-effects of Cefotaxime+sulbactam are pain and swelling at the injection site, skin rash, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. These side-effects usually don't require medical attention. However, inform your doctor immediately if any of these side-effects persist or get worse.
In individuals who have kidney problems, have diabetes and are on a low-salt diet, Cefotaxime+sulbactam should be used with caution as this medicine may worsen the condition.
It is advised to let your doctor know that you are taking Cefotaxime+sulbactam before undergoing any laboratory tests or having a blood transfusion. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
