AMPICILLIN + SULBACTAM

- Antibacterial (penicillin class + beta-lactamase inhibitor)

Indications

Dog

Post-operative bacterial infections

22

mg/kg IV q 8h

Cat

Infected wounds

20

mg/kg IM q 12h

Therapeutics

Interactions

Ampicillin inactivates gentamicin and other aminoglycosides in bottles/vials/joints (intra-articular injections), etc., so avoid combining in same syringe, fluid line, or any other compartment

Avoid coadministration with doxycycline, because doxycycline reduces cell protein synthesis required for formation of cell walls, the substrate on which penicillins act (i.e., coadministration predisposes to treatment failure)

Available Formulations

Inj

1.5, 3 g/vial

Precautions

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the drug, both humans handling the drug (penicillin allergy) and animals

Pearls

Beta-lactamase inhibitor combined with penicillin for IV use, similar to amoxicillin-clavulanate (oral)

Brands/Synonym

Unasyn