Name of

Drug
Generic
Name:
Sultamicillin
(sulbactam +
ampicillin)
Trade Name:
Unasyn
Minimum
Dose:
750 mg PO
Maximum
Dose:
1,500 mg PO

Classification

Mechanism
of Action

Pharmacologic
Class:

Chemical
Effect:
Inhibits beta
lactamases in
penicillinresistant
microorganisms
and it acts
against
sensitive
organisms
during the
stage of active
multiplication
by inhibiting
biosynthesis of
cell wall
mucopeptide

Aminopenicillin,
Beta-Lactamase
Inhibitors
Therapeutic
Class:
Antibiotic
Pregnancy Risk
Category:
B

Patients
Dose:
750 mg PO
BID
Content:
Sulbactam
and ampicillin
Route of
Administration:
oral
Availability:
Tablets: 375
mg, 750 mg,
500 mg, 25
mg, 50 mg

Therapeutic
Effect:
Kills
susceptible
bacteria
Oral
Onset:
unknown
Peak: 2 hr
Duration: 6-8 hr

Indication
Uncomplicated
gonorrhea
Otitis media
Respiratory tract
infection
Urinary tract
infection
Patients Indication
Respiratory tract
infection

Contraindicatio
n

Side Effects

Nursing
Responsibilities

Contraindicated in
patients
hypersensitive to
drug or any other
penicillins
Use cautiously in
pregnant and
lactating women
Use cautiously in
patients with other
drug allergies
(especially to
cephalosporins)
because of
possible crosssensitivity and in
those with
mononucleosis
because of high
risk of
maculopapular
rash.

CNS:
thrombophlebitis,
vein irritation
GI: nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea,
glossitis,
stomatitis, black
hairy tongue,
enterocolitis
Hematologic:
anemia,
thrombocytopeni
a, purpura,
eosinophilia,
leukopenia,
agranulocytosis
Skin: pain at
injection site
Other:
hypersensitivity
reactions,
anaphylaxis,
overgrowth of
nonsusceptible
organisms

BEFORE:
Assess
hypersensitivity to
drug or other
penicillins
Assess patients
infection before
starting therapy
Obtain specimen
for culture and
sensitivity test
Explain the
importance of
adherence to drug
therapy
Assess patients
and familys
knowledge about
dug therapy
DURING:
Give drug with
food to prevent GI
distress
Give drug at least
1 hour before
other
bacteriostatic
antibiotics
Monitor liver
function test
results during the
course of therapy
Give oral
medications with a

full glass of water

AFTER:
Be alert for
adverse reactions
and drug
interactions
Monitor hydration
if adverse GI
reactions occur
Tell patient to take
the entire quantity
of prescribed
drugs even after
feeling better.
Tell patient to call
prescriber if rash
occurs
Watch out for
superinfections

Nurses Drug
Handbook.
2003.
Lippincott
Williams and
Wilkins. P. 80

Nurses Drug
Handbook.
2003. Lippincott
Williams and
Wilkins. P. 8082

www.mims.com

www.prescriptiondruginfo.com

Nurses Drug
Handbook. 2003.
Lippincott Williams
and Wilkins. P. 81

Nurses Drug
Handbook. 2003.
Lippincott Williams
and Wilkins. P. 81

Nurses Drug
Handbook. 2003.
Lippincott Williams
and Wilkins. P. 81-82