Unasyn Oral Special Precautions

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylactoid and severe cutaneous adverse reactions) have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactams. Before initiating therapy with sultamicillin (sulbactam sodium/ampicillin sodium), careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems or other beta-lactam agents. If an allergic reaction occurs, sultamicillin (sulbactam sodium/ampicillin sodium) must be discontinued immediately and appropriate alternative therapy instituted.
Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment with adrenaline.
Oxygen, intravenous steroids, and airway management, including intubation, should be administered as indicated.
Severe skin reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), dermatitis exfoliative, erythema multiforme, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in patients on ampicillin/sulbactam therapy. If a severe skin reaction occurs, ampicillin/sulbactam should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be initiated (see Adverse Reactions).
As with any antibiotic preparation, constant observation for signs of overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, is essential. Should superinfection occur, the drug should be discontinued and/or appropriate therapy instituted.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including sultamicillin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
Drug induced liver injury such as cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice have been associated with the use of ampicillin/sulbactam. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor if signs and symptoms of hepatic disease develop (see Adverse Reactions).
Since infectious mononucleosis is viral in origin, ampicillin should not be used in the treatment. A high percentage of patients with mononucleosis who receive ampicillin develop a skin rash.
It is advisable to check periodically for organ system dysfunction during prolonged therapy; this includes renal, hepatic and hematopoietic systems.
The principal route of excretion of sulbactam and ampicillin following oral administration of sultamicillin is via the urine. Because renal function is not fully developed in neonates, this should be considered when using sultamicillin in neonates.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp-lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: None known.