Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
Brand Name :
Sulbamed, Kiviza
Synonyms :
sulbactam, Sulbactamum
Class :
Antibacterial, beta-lactam antibiotic, Pencillin skeleton group, cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor, Synergist (pencilline/cephalosporin)
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Powder for injection (IM or IV)
1 g
2 g
Indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections
The usual dose is 1 g via Parenteral administration (IV or IM) four times a day for two weeks
Dose Adjustments
Limited data is available
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Powder for injection (IM or IV)
1 g
2 g
Indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections
The usual dose is 25 mg/kg via Parenteral administration (IV or IM) four times a day for two weeks in children between 2 to 18 years of age
Safety and efficacy are not seen in pediatrics below two years of age
Refer to the adult dosing
the excretion rate of sulbactam may be decreased by oxybenzone
the excretion rate of sulbactam may be decreased by abacavir, potentially leading to a higher serum level
sulbactam excretion rate may be decreased by aceclofenac, potentially resulting in elevated serum levels
sulbactam excretion rate may be decreased by acetaminophen, potentially resulting in elevated serum levels
acetazolamide may raise the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a lower serum level and potentially reducing efficacy
the excretion rate of sulbactam may be decreased by acetylsalicylic acid, potentially leading to higher serum levels
the excretion rate of sulbactam may be decreased by aclidinium, potentially leading to higher serum levels
sulbactam may lower the excretion rate of acrivastine, which could result in a serum level rise
acyclovir may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a raised serum level
adefovir dipivoxil may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially leading to a raised serum level
verapamil may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a higher serum level
vilanterol may decrease the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a higher serum level
viloxazine may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially leading to higher serum levels
vortioxetine may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a higher serum level
sulbactam may decrease the excretion rate of warfarin, potentially leading to a raised serum level
zaleplon may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a higher serum level
zanamivir may lower the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially leading to a raised serum level
zonisamide may raise the excretion rate of sulbactam, potentially resulting in a lower serum level and potentially reducing efficacy
the rate of excretion of phosphoric acid may be decreased
Actions and Spectrum:
Actions:
The action of sulbactam involves its ability to inhibit β-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria irreversibly. By inhibiting these enzymes, sulbactam protects β-lactam antibiotics from degradation by β-lactamases, allowing the antibiotics to exert their antibacterial activity effectively.
Spectrum:
Sulbactam functions as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, commonly utilized alongside beta-lactam antibiotics. Its mechanism involves hindering the activity of beta-lactamases, enzymes manufactured by certain bacteria capable of breaking down beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.
The inclusion of sulbactam in combination therapy expands the range of effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics by shielding them from degradation by beta-lactamases.
This combined approach proves efficacious against a broader spectrum of bacteria, encompassing those producing beta-lactamases that would otherwise resist treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics alone. Thus, sulbactam’s spectrum includes bacteria sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics but prone to beta-lactamase production.
Frequency not defined
Glossitis
Edema
Chills
Rash
Diarrhea
Erythema
Inflammation of vein
Chest pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Injection site reactions such as allergy, itching, burning, pain
GI disturbances
Black Box Warning:
Serious and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions may occur in individuals allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is important to tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of allergic reactions, such as itching, rashes, or difficulty breathing. Sulbactam is prescribed specifically when there is a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection; otherwise, there is a risk of fostering drug-resistant bacteria. Adherence to the specified dosage is crucial to maintain treatment efficacy, as missed doses may compromise the effectiveness, potentially leading to bacterial resistance not only to Sulbactam but also to other antibacterial medications.
Elderly patients, owing to their compromised renal function, may be more susceptible to certain adverse effects and require diligent monitoring. Regular follow-up appointments, both during and after the therapy, are therefore crucial. When Sulbactam is combined with other antibiotics, it may induce dizziness, necessitating caution while driving or operating heavy machinery post-medication. The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is uncertain, so it’s imperative to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before commencing the medication.
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindications
Cautions
Pregnancy consideration:
No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding warnings:
No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk.
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology:
Sulbactam is a β-lactamase inhibitor, commonly used in combination with β-lactam antibiotics to enhance their efficacy against bacteria that produce β-lactamase enzymes Pharmacodynamics:
Sulbactam works as a β-lactamase inhibitor by irreversibly binding to bacterial β-lactamases. By doing so, it inhibits the action of these enzymes, preventing them from degrading and deactivating β-lactam antibiotics. This mechanism allows the co-administered β-lactam antibiotic to remain active and exert its antibacterial effects against susceptible bacteria.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
The time to achieve peak effect is 15 minutes
Distribution
Protein-bound is 38%
The volume of distribution is 12 L
Metabolism
N/A
Elimination and Excretion
The half-life is 1 hour
The drug is excreted unchanged 75% in urine.
Administration:
Route of Administration: Sulbactam is generally administered via intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection. It is rarely available in oral forms due to poor absorption.
Frequency: The frequency of administration depends on the specific antibiotic combination,
severity of the infection & the patient’s condition.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: sulbactam
Pronounced: suhl-BAK-tam
Why do we use sulbactam?
Sulbactam is employed in conjunction with specific beta-lactam antibiotics to augment their efficacy against bacteria. Sulbactam targets the enzyme beta-lactamase, which is generated by certain bacteria and capable of breaking down beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. Through its inhibition of beta-lactamase, sulbactam safeguards beta-lactam antibiotics from degradation.
The incorporation of sulbactam with beta-lactam antibiotics extends the range of activity, enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness against a broader spectrum of bacteria. This becomes especially crucial when addressing bacterial strains that produce beta-lactamases, as they would otherwise exhibit resistance to treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics alone.
In summary, sulbactam is utilized to surmount bacterial resistance and enhance the potency of beta-lactam antibiotics in the treatment of diverse bacterial infections.