Meropenem+sulbactam
About
Meropenem+sulbactam belongs to the group of medications called anti-infectives 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.
Meropenem+sulbactam contains Meropenem and Sulbactam. Meropenem is a type of antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering, which is required for bacterial survival. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that reduces resistance and improves Meropenem antibacterial activity.
Meropenem+sulbactam should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The dose depends on the type of infection you have, where the infection is in the body, and how severe the infection is. Your doctor will decide on the dose that you need. The common side-effects of Meropenem+sulbactam may include injection site reactions that may occur, including swelling, pain, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
To treat your condition effectually, continue using Meropenem+sulbactam for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not use Meropenem+sulbactam without a doctor's advice if you had a skin reaction or irritation to any medicine. Consult your doctor before using Meropenem+sulbactam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Meropenem+sulbactam in more than prescribed doses or longer duration as it may cause adverse effects. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop the medication as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you take before taking Meropenem+sulbactam to rule out any side effects. It is not known whether Meropenem+sulbactam can interact with alcohol or may affect your ability to drive. So, please discuss with your doctor the possible risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
Uses of Meropenem+sulbactam
Medicinal Benefits
Meropenem+sulbactam contains Meropenem and Sulbactam. Meropenem is an antibiotic that treats the infection by killing the bacteria. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase (an enzyme produced by bacteria that can destroy antibiotics) inhibitor and prevents the destruction of Meropenem from the bacteria. Meropenem+sulbactam has broad-spectrum activity and is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as skin infections, gynecological infections, and intra-abdominal infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Meropenem+sulbactam
- Stomach pain
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Pain and inflammation
- A tingling feeling
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is not recommended to take Meropenem+sulbactam if you are allergic to other antibiotics or this medicine's contents. Meropenem+sulbactam is not recommended for people with infectious mononucleosis (viral infection with sore throat and fever) and colitis (intestine inflammation). Meropenem+sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop the medication as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Should use Meropenem+sulbactam with caution in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and older people. It is not known whether Meropenem+sulbactam can interact with alcohol or may affect your ability to drive. So, please discuss with your doctor the possible risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Meropenem+sulbactam may interact with medicines used to treat bipolar disorder (e.g. valproic acid/ sodium valproate), medicines used to treat gout (e.g. probenecid), and oral anticoagulant medications (e.g. dabigatran, apixaban).
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol may increase the side effects of Meropenem+sulbactam. Hence, it is advised to limit the intake of alcohol while using Meropenem+sulbactam.
Drug-Disease Interactions: People with colitis (inflammation in the intestine's lining) and mononucleosis (viral infection with sore throat and fever). Should use Meropenem+sulbactam with caution in patients with severe kidney impairment, and severe diarrhoea should consult the doctor before taking Meropenem+sulbactam.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol may increase the side effects of Meropenem+sulbactam. Hence, it is advised to limit the intake of alcohol while using Meropenem+sulbactam.
Pregnancy
cautionMeropenem+sulbactam should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Meropenem+sulbactam.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor as there is no substantial research yet on the use of Meropenem+sulbactam in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Meropenem+sulbactam alters the ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionMeropenem+sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases as it may affect liver function. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. Please consult the doctor.
Kidney
cautionMeropenem+sulbactam should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Meropenem+sulbactam.
Children
cautionMeropenem+sulbactam should be used in children only if clinically needed. The doctor may have to adjust the dose based on age, body weight and medical history.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Probiotics should be taken after taking an entire course of Meropenem+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 yoghurt, 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 your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fibre rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread, brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Meropenem+sulbactam as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Meropenem+sulbactam in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
- When administering prolonged therapy, monitor renal, hepatic, and hematologic functions periodically. Also monitor for signs of anaphylaxis during the first dose.
- Even if you feel better after taking Meropenem+sulbactam, do not stop taking it until your doctor says so. It might cause the symptoms to reappear and make the infection difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
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. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses (like sore throat and ear infections) to severe brain infections (like meningitis and encephalitis). When infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. 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
Meropenem+sulbactam is used to treat bacterial infections. It contains Meropenem and Sulbactam. Meropenem reduces the infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. It disrupts the cell wall formation (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 (Meropenem).
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule if it is time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
Do not stop using Meropenem+sulbactam even if you feel better. It should be strictly used as advised by your doctor to avoid the recurrence of symptoms and to worsening of the disease.
Meropenem+sulbactam should not be given to the people with infectious mononucleosis (viral infection with sore throat and fever) and colitis (inflammation of the intestine) as Meropenem+sulbactam worsen these conditions.
