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.
Bacterial infections
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.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM may cause false-positive results when a urine test is performed to determine glucose levels, so let your doctor know that you are taking this medicine before undergoing laboratory tests. CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM may contain sodium, so this medicine should be used with caution in people who are on a low-sodium diet. In individuals who were prescribed CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM for more than ten days, blood counts should be regularly monitored. CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM may cause a skin reaction called Steven-Johnson syndrome. So, stop taking CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM and inform your doctor immediately if you notice a rash, blistering of the skin or itching while using CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop the medication as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
Drug-Drug Interactions: CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM may interact with penicillin antibiotics (mezlocillin and azlocillin), aminoglycoside antibiotics (streptomycin, neomycin, and gentamicin), diuretic or water pill (furosemide), and medicine used to treat gout (probenecid).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems and diabetes.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM may not interact with alcohol.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM is a category B medicine and may not cause harmful effects to the unborn baby. So, it is probably safe when used in pregnant women, when prescribed by a doctor.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM is probably safe when used in breastfeeding mothers, when prescribed by a doctor.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
CEFOTAXIME+SULBACTAM is probably safe when used in children. However, the doctor may have to adjust the dose based on age, body weight and health condition.
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.