Ceftriaxone+sulbactam
About
Ceftriaxone+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.
Ceftriaxone+sulbactam is a combination of two medicines: Ceftriaxone and Sulbactam. Ceftriaxone 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 (ceftriaxone).
Ceftriaxone+sulbactam will be administered by a healthcare professional, so do not self-administer. The common side effects of Ceftriaxone+sulbactam include pain and swelling at the injection site, skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and black/tarry stools. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Ceftriaxone+sulbactam if you are allergic to penicillin or any cephalosporin antibiotic or its contents. Before taking Ceftriaxone+sulbactam, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes or using other antibiotics. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop using Ceftriaxone+sulbactam as it may lead to antibiotic resistance (bacteria become resistant to antibiotics). Before taking Ceftriaxone+sulbactam, inform your doctor if you have an electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or gastrointestinal diseases. Ceftriaxone+sulbactam is probably safe when used in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and the elderly. Ceftriaxone+sulbactam may not interact with alcohol. Ceftriaxone+sulbactam may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of Ceftriaxone+sulbactam
Medicinal Benefits
Ceftriaxone+sulbactam contains Ceftriaxone and Sulbactam. Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic, whereas Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Ceftriaxone+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), acute bacterial otitis media (infection of the middle ear) and the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis) and to prevent and treat infections following surgeries.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ceftriaxone+sulbactam
- Pain at the injection site
- Swelling at the injection site
- Skin rash
- Diarrhoea
- Anaphylaxis
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Black/tarry stools
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is not recommended to take Ceftriaxone+sulbactam if you are allergic to penicillin, any cephalosporin antibiotic, or its contents. Before taking Ceftriaxone+sulbactam, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes or using other antibiotics. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop using Ceftriaxone+sulbactam as it may lead to antibiotic resistance (bacteria become resistant to antibiotics). Before taking Ceftriaxone+sulbactam, inform your doctor if you have an electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or gastrointestinal diseases. Ceftriaxone+sulbactam is probably safe when used in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and the elderly. Ceftriaxone+sulbactam may not interact with alcohol. Ceftriaxone+sulbactam may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. Alterations in prothrombin time (a test used to check for bleeding problems) have been reported in patients receiving this medicine. Antibiotic therapy will cause an imbalance in the normal microbial flora of the large intestine, which may promote the growth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile, and you may experience severe diarrhoea.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ceftriaxone+sulbactam may interact with vaccines (cholera vaccine) estrogens (Ethinyl estradiol), penicillin antibiotics (mezlocillin and azlocillin), aminoglycoside antibiotics (amikacin, streptomycin, neomycin and gentamicin), immuno-suppressant(cyclosporine) and medicine used to treat gout (probenecid).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Ceftriaxone+sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, diabetes, seizures, liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and bleeding disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unintended side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionCeftriaxone+sulbactam is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCeftriaxone+sulbactam is not recommended for use in breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionCeftriaxone+sulbactam may decrease your alertness and vision or make you sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur after receiving this medicine.
Liver
cautionCeftriaxone+sulbactam should be used with caution if you have liver function impairment due to the increased risk of worsening your condition. Regular monitoring of liver function tests, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative medicine may be required in some cases based on your clinical condition.
Kidney
cautionCeftriaxone+sulbactam should be used with caution if you have a history of renal function impairment due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with alternative medicine may be required in some cases based on your clinical condition.
Children
cautionCeftriaxone+sulbactam is probably safe when used in children. However, your doctor may adjust the dose based on age, body weight and health condition of your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of Ceftriaxone+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 fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fibre-rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Ceftriaxone+sulbactam as they can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Ceftriaxone+sulbactam in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics.
- Take it with food and plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection occurs when dangerous bacteria enter the body, flourish, and spread throughout it. It multiplies quickly and can attack any organ in the body. A lot of them emit toxins, which can harm the tissue and make you ill. Minor illnesses like sore throats and ear infections to serious brain infections are all caused by bacteria (like meningitis and encephalitis). Generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue can occur when you become infected with bacteria. Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli are a few harmful bacteria that frequently cause infections. Anyone can contract a bacterial infection, but those with weakened immune systems or those taking immunosuppressive drugs like steroids are more vulnerable.
FAQs
Ceftriaxone+sulbactam is used to treat bacterial infections. It contains Ceftriaxone and Sulbactam. Ceftriaxone 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 bacteria produce to destroy antibiotics. Sulbactam enhances the activity of ceftriaxone.
Common side effects of Ceftriaxone+sulbactam are pain and swelling at the injection site, skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and black/tarry stools. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
Ceftriaxone+sulbactam should be avoided in conditions like gastrointestinal diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases, seizure disorders, bleeding disorders, antibiotic resistance and bleeding disorders.
Do not stop taking Ceftriaxone+sulbactam suddenly because your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
People allergic to penicillin should not take Ceftriaxone+sulbactam as they may develop cross-sensitivity (sensitivity to drugs with similar structures). Ceftriaxone+sulbactam contains ceftriaxone, which has a similar structure to that of penicillin.
