Brand Name: UNASYN
CLASSIFICATIONS
Therapeutic:
Anti-infectives
Pharmacologic:
Aminopenicillins/ beta lactamase inhibitors
ACTIONS
Physiologic Mechanism
• Bactericidal action. Active against: Streptococci, Penumococci, Enterococci, Haemophilus influenzae,
• Use should be reserved for infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains.
Pharmacologic Mechanism
• Binds to bacteria cell wall, resulting in cell death, spectrum is broader than that of penicillin. Addition of sulbactam increases resistance to beta-lactamase, enzymes produced by bacteria that may inactivate ampicillin.
INDICATION
• Treatment of respiratory infections
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
• Assess patient for infection (vital signs, wound appearance, sputum, urine, stool, and WBCs) at beginning and throughout therapy.
• Obtain a history before initiating therapy to determine previous use of and reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins. Persons with a negative history of penicillin sensitivity may still have an allergic response.
• Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before therapy. First dose may be given before receiving results.
• Observe patients for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (rash, pruritus, laryngeal edema, wheezing). Discontinue the drug and notify the physician immediately if these occur. Keep epinephrine, an antihistamine, and resuscitation equipment close by in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
• Caution patient to notify physician if fever and diarrhea occur, especially if stool contains blood, pus, or mucus. Advise patient not to treat diarrhea without consulting health care professional. May occur up to several weeks after discontinuation of medication.
•Instruct patient to notify physician if symptoms do not improve.