Sometimes a doctor has prescribed you an antibiotic, right? These types of injections are used especially in cases of bacterial infections. Today we are going to talk about the commonly used Ampicillin; Sulbactam injection. You may know it by the brand name Unasyn. Let's talk in simple terms about what it is used for and what precautions you should take while using it.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, it is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family. It has two main ingredients: Ampicillin and Sulbactam. Ampicillin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria. Sulbactam is a substance that prevents the resistance of some bacteria to ampicillin. When these two are combined, they can effectively treat many bacterial infections.
But one thing you need to remember is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections . It will not cure viral infections like the common cold or flu.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are given this vaccine, your doctor will ask you some questions. At that time, you must provide the following information. Do not hide this information, as it is very important for your safety.
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have any kidney disease .
- If you have a condition called mononucleosis .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to ampicillin, penicillin, or other antibiotics .
- Also, tell us if you have any allergies to certain foods, preservatives, or dyes .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How should I use this medicine?
This vaccine is usually given by a trained person in a hospital or clinic. It is given directly into a vein (infused into a vein) or injected into a muscle (injected into a muscle).
In some cases, you may need to get this vaccine at home. If so, you will be instructed on how to prepare it and give yourself the shot. You should follow these instructions exactly . Take the dose every day, exactly as your doctor tells you to, and do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
What do you do with used needles and syringes?
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special container (sharps container) that is provided. If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor for one.
Can this medicine be given to children?
Yes, this medicine can be prescribed to children as young as one year old for certain selected medical conditions. However, special precautions must be followed. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor about it carefully.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken an overdose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking other medications while taking this medicine, there may be interactions between them. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, purchased from the pharmacy, traditional medicines, vitamins, herbal products).
This medicine may interact with the following medications in particular:
- Allopurinol
- Probenecid
- Female hormones, especially birth control pills
- Some other antibiotic vaccines
If someone taking birth control pills takes this vaccine, the effectiveness of those pills may be reduced. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (such as condoms) while taking this medicine and for as long as your doctor tells you to.
Side effects to be aware of when using the medicine
There are several possible side effects that can occur when taking this medication. Some are serious, some are common. It is very important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| These are serious side effects - tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Severe skin reactions | If you have fever, body aches, and your skin turns red or purple and feels like it's peeling off. This can also happen inside your mouth. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits. This can happen weeks after you start taking the medicine. |
| Difficulty breathing, chest pain | If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, chills, pain or difficulty urinating, seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme fatigue. |
| These are common side effects - tell your doctor if they persist. | |
| Diarrhea | If you have diarrhea for more than two days or if it becomes severe, such as watery diarrhea, do not take medication from the pharmacy yourself, but tell your doctor. |
| Other general characteristics | Headache, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, gas , mouth or tongue sores, pain or redness at the injection site. |
Special notice for diabetics
If you are a diabetic, some urine glucose tests may give incorrect results while taking this medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the testing method you are using.
Take-Home Message
- Ampicillin; Sulbactam is an antibiotic that is only given for bacterial infections . It is not suitable for viral diseases.
- Before taking the medicine , be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe skin reactions, severe diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms while using the medicine.
- Take the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor, without fail, for the full duration. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms have subsided.
- If you are taking birth control pills, discuss with your doctor about using an additional method of birth control while taking this medication.
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