Selected Antimicrobial Information – Companion Animal

Ampicillin-Sulbactam [Companion]

Restriction Status

Unrestricted

Dose

Species Usage Dose
Cats

For susceptible infections 10-20mg/kg IV or IM q8h, given slowly (extra-label use)
As part of a treatment regimen for sepsis
30mg/kg IV q6-8h (extra-label use)
As a CRI
3.75-8.3mg/kg/hr (extra-label use)
Dogs

For susceptible infections 10-20mg/kg IV or IM q8h, given slowly (extra-label use)
As part of a treatment regimen for sepsis 30mg/kg IV q6-8h (extra-label use)
As a CRI 3.75-8.3mg/kg/hr (extra-label use)

Brand Name(s)

Unasyn®

Background

Ampicillin sodium-sulbactam sodium is a bactericidal, time-dependent β-lactam antibiotic with improved activity against Gram-negative organisms when compared to penicillin. The addition of sulbactam improves activity against β-lactamase-producing bacteria, such as Staphylococcus spp., though clavulanic acid is a more potent β-lactamase inhibitor. Activity against Gram-positive organisms is comparable to amoxicillin and ampicillin. Ampicillin-sulbactam distributes widely through the plasma, including into peritoneal and interstitial fluid. It does not penetrate abscesses or sites of tissue necrosis well. Excretion is primarily in urine.

Acceptable Uses

  • Treatment of infections susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in patients unable to tolerate oral medication.
  • Treatment of soft tissue or orthopedic infections.
  • Treatment of genitourinary infections.
  • Treatment of intra-abdominal infections.
  • In combination with an aminoglycoside or fluoroquinolone, part of broad-spectrum therapy for sepsis or other critical systemic infections.
  • As a parenteral alternative to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.

Unacceptable Uses

  • N/A

Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy

  • Ampicillin/Sulbactam 1.5g (Ampicillin 1g/Sulbactam 0.5g)/vial injectable suspension
  • Ampicilin/Sulbactam 3g (Ampicillin 2g/Sulbactam 1g)/vial injectable suspension
  • Unasyn 1.5g/vial injectable suspension
  • Unasyn 3g/vial injectable suspension

Notes

  • N/A

License

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OSU VMC Antimicrobial Use Guidelines Copyright © 2018 by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.