Cefotaxime+sulbactam
About Cefotaxime+sulbactam
Cefotaxime+sulbactam belongs to the class 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.
Cefotaxime+sulbactam is a combination of two medicines: Cefotaxime and Sulbactam. Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It has bactericidal action (kills bacteria). It works by preventing the formation of the cell wall (the outer protective layer of bacteria, which is essential for its survival) by preventing protein synthesis. Sulbactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase. Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by bacteria that can destroy antibiotics (cefotaxime).
Cefotaxime+sulbactam will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. The common side effects of Cefotaxime+sulbactam are pain and swelling at the injection site, skin rash, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Cefotaxime+sulbactam if you are allergic to penicillin, any cephalosporin antibiotic or its contents. Before taking Cefotaxime+sulbactam, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes or using other antibiotics. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop using Cefotaxime+sulbactam as it may lead to antibiotic resistance (bacteria become resistant to antibiotics). Cefotaxime+sulbactam is probably safe when used in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and elderly people. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may not interact with alcohol. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of Cefotaxime+sulbactam
Medicinal Benefits
Cefotaxime+sulbactam contains Cefotaxime and Sulbactam. Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic, whereas Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Cefotaxime+sulbactam has broad-spectrum activity and is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It makes the drug effective in multiple serious bacterial infections including infections of the bloodstream (septicemia), bones (osteomyelitis), the heart valves (endocarditis), the membranes protecting the brain (meningitis) and the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis) and to prevent and treat infections following surgeries.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefotaxime+sulbactam
- Pain at the injection site
- Swelling at the injection site
- Skin rash
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Colitis (inflammation of the intestine)
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 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 you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills and fatigue. A few harmful bacteria that 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
Cefotaxime+sulbactam is used to treat bacterial infections. It contains Cefotaxime and Sulbactam. Cefotaxime reduces the infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. It disrupts the formation of the cell wall (outer layer), which is essential for bacteria's survival. Sulbactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase, an enzyme produced by the bacteria to destroy antibiotics (cefotaxime).
People allergic to penicillin should not take Cefotaxime+sulbactam as they may develop cross-sensitivity (sensitivity to drugs with similar structures). Cefotaxime+sulbactam contains cefotaxime, which has a similar structure to that of penicillin.
The common side-effects of Cefotaxime+sulbactam are pain and swelling at the injection site, skin rash, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. These side-effects usually don't require medical attention. However, inform your doctor immediately if any of these side-effects persist or get worse.
In individuals who have kidney problems, have diabetes and are on a low-salt diet, Cefotaxime+sulbactam should be used with caution as this medicine may worsen the condition.
It is advised to let your doctor know that you are taking Cefotaxime+sulbactam before undergoing any laboratory tests or having a blood transfusion. Cefotaxime+sulbactam may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
