Unasyn IM/IV 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 sulbactam sodium/ampicillin sodium IM/IV, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems or other beta-lactam agents. If an allergic reaction occurs, sulbactam sodium/ampicillin sodium IM/IV must be discontinued and appropriate alternative therapy instituted.
Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine. 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 sulbactam sodium/ampicillin sodium, 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).
As with any potent systemic agent, it is advisable to check periodically for organ system dysfunction during extended therapy; this includes renal, hepatic and hematopoietic systems. This is particularly important in neonates, especially when premature, and other infants.
Since infectious mononucleosis is viral in origin, sulbactam sodium/ampicillin sodium IM/IV should not be used in its treatment. A high percentage of patients with mononucleosis who received ampicillin have developed a skin rash.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: None known.