Sulbactam+cefixime
About
Sulbactam+cefixime belongs to the group 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.
Sulbactam+cefixime contains Cefixime and Sulbactam. Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering, which is required for bacterial survival. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor; the inclusion of sulbactam extends the cefixime spectrum of action to beta-lactamase-producing strains of bacteria.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of Sulbactam+cefixime are diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
Do not take Sulbactam+cefixime if you are allergic to any component present in the Sulbactam+cefixime. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop the medication, as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, a condition where bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Sulbactam+cefixime should be used cautiously in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and elderly people. It is not known whether Sulbactam+cefixime interacts with alcohol or if it may affect your ability to drive. So, please discuss with your doctor the possible risks and benefits.
Uses of Sulbactam+cefixime
Medicinal Benefits
Cefixime and Sulbactam are present in Sulbactam+cefixime. Cefixime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills both aerobic (grow in the presence of oxygen) and anaerobic (grow in the absence of oxygen) gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It disrupts the production of the bacterial cell wall (a protective covering required for survival). As a result, the bacterial cell wall is damaged, and bacteria are killed. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor; the inclusion of Sulbactam extends the cefixime spectrum of action to beta-lactamase-producing strains of bacteria. Thus Sulbactam+cefixime effectively treats a wide range of bacterial infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sulbactam+cefixime
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Heartburn
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is highly recommended not to use this medicine on your own unless prescribed by a doctor. Before using the Sulbactam+cefixime, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications used. Do not use any other drugs or supplements with Sulbactam+cefixime unless prescribed by the doctor. Do not miss any dose, and complete the entire course of medication. Stopping the medication too soon may cause the infection to recur or worsen.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Sulbactam+cefixime may interact with certain vaccines (e.g. BCG vaccine, cholera vaccine, typhoid vaccine), anticoagulant medications (e.g. warfarin) and anticonvulsant medications (e.g. carbamazepine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Sulbactam+cefixime may interact with disease conditions, including colitis (inflammation in the intestine's lining), renal, hepatic and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Sulbactam+cefixime. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionSulbactam+cefixime should be used in pregnancy only if clinically needed and when the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult the doctor; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Sulbactam+cefixime.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is no substantial research yet on the use of Sulbactam+cefixime in breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Sulbactam+cefixime alters the ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience symptoms affecting your ability to concentrate and react. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionSulbactam+cefixime should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Please consult the doctor; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Sulbactam+cefixime.
Kidney
cautionSulbactam+cefixime should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Please consult the doctor; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Sulbactam+cefixime.
Children
safe if prescribedSulbactam+cefixime should be used in children only if clinically needed. Please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- It would be best to take probiotics after taking the full course of Sulbactam+cefixime to restore some healthy intestinal bacteria 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 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 foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after taking a course of antibiotics. Whole grains, like whole-grain bread and brown rice, should be included in your diet.
- Avoid taking too much calcium-enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of Sulbactam+cefixime.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Sulbactam+cefixime as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Sulbactam+cefixime in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
- On prolonged therapy, monitoring renal, hepatic, and hematologic functions periodically is advised.
- Even if you feel better after taking Sulbactam+cefixime, do not stop until your doctor says so. This 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. Many bacteria 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 infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills and fatigue. A few harmful bacteria 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
Sulbactam+cefixime contains Cefixime and Sulbactam. Cefixime works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering, which is required for bacterial survival. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor; the inclusion of sulbactam extends the cefixime spectrum of action to beta-lactamase-producing strains of bacteria.
Sulbactam+cefixime is safe if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Take it precisely as directed, and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's guidelines carefully and inform your doctor if any side effects disturb you.
No, it is a prescribed drug a physician gives to prevent specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
Do not stop using Sulbactam+cefixime 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.
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 your missed dose.
People allergic to cefixime or other cephalosporin antibiotics should not take this medication.
