Sulbactam
Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that is always administered in combination with other antibiotics, most commonly ampicillin. It works by blocking bacterial enzymes that would otherwise destroy the companion antibiotic, allowing it to remain effective against resistant infections. This combination is used to treat various bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and skin infections.
Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor combined with antibiotics like ampicillin to treat resistant bacterial infections.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01CG01
- RxNorm
- 10167
- Generic
- Sulbactam
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Xacduro, Unasyn
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse with caution
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse with caution
use only if clearly needed
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse with caution
use only if clearly needed
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
consider temporary discontinuation or monitor infant for adverse effects
monitor infant for diarrhea or candidiasis
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyadjust based on renal function
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
monitor renal function periodically
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients, dose based on weight
monitor for signs of allergic reaction
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment
use standard dosing, monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose and extend interval
reduce dose to 50% or extend dosing interval to 12-24 hours
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution, consider dose reduction
monitor hepatic function, use reduced dose in severe impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Beta-lactam antibiotic with inhibitor properties
Common uses
Clinical indications for sulbactam combinations
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for ampicillin-sulbactam
Common formulations
Common fixed-dose combinations
Treats respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gynecological infections caused by beta-lactamase producing bacteria.
Inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes that would otherwise break down the companion antibiotic, restoring or enhancing antibacterial activity against resistant organisms.
Always given with another antibiotic, never used alone. Patients with penicillin allergies should use with caution. Common side effects include diarrhea, rash, and injection site reactions. May cause Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy