Drug reference
ampicillin-sulbactam
β-Lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combination · Antibacterial; β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Inhibitor
β-Lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combinationAntibacterial; β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Inhibitor
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Ampicillin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis. Sulbactam, a β-lactamase inhibitor, lacks antibacterial activity (except against Acinetobacter baumannii) but inhibits S. aureus class A β-lactamase and β-lactamases of H. influenzae and Bacteroides species, expanding ampicillin's spectrum.
Side effects
Common
Gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., diarrhea)
Serious
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash to anaphylaxis)
- Serum sickness
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Nephropathy
- Hematologic reactions (neutropenia, prolonged use)
- Neurotoxicity (seizure, high doses, renal impairment)
Related guidelines
Other β-Lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combination drugs
Ask House about ampicillin-sulbactam
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Sources: Harrison 22e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team