Ampicillin and sulbactam interactions

Ampicillin and sulbactam (Unasyn), a penicillin antibiotic has 80 documented interactions across the FDA labels and fact sheets we index: 31 major, 34 moderate, 13 minor, and 2 where a label reports no significant interaction. Each entry below quotes the sentence behind it. This drug page is a starting point, not a verdict for your situation.

Interactions from the label

Major interactions (31)

  • Amoxicillinpenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Amoxicillin and clavulanatepenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Ampicillinpenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefaclorcephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefadroxilcephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefazolincephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefdinircephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefepimecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefiximecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefotaximecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefotetancephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefoxitincephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefpodoximecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefprozilcephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CeftarolinecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CeftazidimecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CeftriaxonecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CefuroximecephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • CephalexincephalosporinMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Demeclocyclinetetracycline antibioticMajor

    Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracycline-class drugs in conjunction with penicillin. (Demeclocycline label, Drug interactions)

  • Dicloxacillinpenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Doxycyclinetetracycline antibioticMajor

    Avoid co-administration of tetracyclines with penicillin. (Doxycycline label, Drug interactions)

  • ErtapenemantibioticMajor

    INVANZ is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams. (Ertapenem label, Contraindications)

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactams. (Imipenem and cilastatin label, Warnings and precautions)

  • Minocyclinetetracycline antibioticMajor

    Penicillin Because bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, avoid giving EMROSI in conjunction with penicillin. (Minocycline label, Drug interactions)

  • Nafcillinpenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Oxacillinpenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Penicillin Gpenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Penicillin Vpenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Piperacillin and tazobactampenicillin antibioticMajor

    CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of UNASYN is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to ampicillin, sulbactam or to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Contraindications)

  • Tetracyclinetetracycline antibioticMajor

    Drug Interactions Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracycline in conjunction with penicillin or other bactericidal antibacterials. (Tetracycline label, Drug interactions)

Moderate interactions (34)

  • Allopurinolxanthine oxidase inhibitorModerate

    The concurrent administration of allopurinol and ampicillin increases substantially the incidence of rashes in patients receiving both drugs as compared to patients receiving ampicillin alone. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

  • AztreonamantibioticModerate

    Use caution when CAYSTON is administered to patients with a known allergic reaction to beta-lactams. (Aztreonam label, Warnings and precautions)

  • Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazideangiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Moderate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • ChloroquineantimalarialModerate

    Ampicillin: In a study of healthy volunteers, chloroquine significantly reduced the bioavailability of ampicillin. (Chloroquine label, Drug interactions)

  • Cholestyraminebile acid sequestrantModerate

    Drug Interactions Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP may delay or reduce the absorption of concomitant oral medication such as phenylbutazone, warfarin, thiazide diuretics (acidic), or propranolol (basic), as well as tetracycline, penicillin G, phenobarbital, thyroid and thyroxine preparations, estrogens and progestins, and digitalis. (Cholestyramine label, Drug interactions)

  • Colestipolbile acid sequestrantModerate

    The absorption of tetracycline, furosemide, penicillin G, hydrochlorothiazide, and gemfibrozil was significantly decreased when given simultaneously with colestipol hydrochloride; these drugs were not tested to determine the effect of administration one hour before colestipol hydrochloride. (Colestipol label, Drug interactions)

  • Dichlorphenamidecarbonic anhydrase inhibitorModerate

    Drugs that Cause Hypokalemia The risk of hypokalemia is greater with coadministration of KEVEYIS and other drugs that can cause hypokalemia (e.g., loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, laxatives, antifungals, penicillins, and theophylline) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . (Dichlorphenamide label, Drug interactions)

  • Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • Hydrochlorothiazidethiazide diureticModerate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

  • HydroxychloroquineQT-prolonging drugModerate

    Ampicillin In a study of healthy volunteers, chloroquine significantly reduced the bioavailability of ampicillin. (Hydroxychloroquine label, Drug interactions)

  • Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazideangiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Moderate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

  • Lanthanumphosphate binderModerate

    Examples of relevant classes of compounds where antacids have been demonstrated to reduce bioavailability include antibiotics (such as quinolones, ampicillin, and tetracyclines), thyroid hormones, ACE inhibitors, statin lipid regulators, and anti-malarials. (Lanthanum label, Drug interactions)

  • LeflunomideimmunosuppressantModerate

    In patients taking ARAVA, exposure of drugs which are OAT3 substrates (e.g., cefaclor, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, ketoprofen, furosemide, methotrexate, zidovudine) may be increased. (Leflunomide label, Drug interactions)

  • Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • Losartan and hydrochlorothiazideangiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Moderate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

  • MethotrexateimmunosuppressantModerate

    Effect of Other Drugs on XATMEP Oral Antibiotics Penicillins may reduce the renal clearance of methotrexate; increased serum concentrations of methotrexate with concomitant hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity have been observed with methotrexate. (Methotrexate label, Drug interactions)

  • Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

  • MycophenolateimmunosuppressantModerate

    Examples Cyclosporine A, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine), rifampin as well as aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and penicillin classes of antimicrobials Drugs Modulating Glucuronidation Clinical Impact Concomitant use with drugs inducing glucuronidation decreases MPA systemic exposure, potentially reducing mycophenolate… (Mycophenolate label, Drug interactions)

  • Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazideangiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Moderate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

  • Olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazideangiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Moderate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

  • ProbenecidModerate

    Drug Interactions Probenecid decreases the renal tubular secretion of ampicillin and sulbactam. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

  • Drug Interactions Probenecid decreases the renal tubular secretion of ampicillin and sulbactam. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

  • ProtamineModerate

    Drug Interactions Protamine sulfate has been shown to be incompatible with certain antibiotics, including several of the cephalosporins and penicillins (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). (Protamine label, Precautions)

  • Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • SalsalateNSAIDModerate

    Salicylate competes with a number of drugs for protein binding sites, notably penicillin, thiopental, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, phenytoin, sulfinpyrazone, naproxen, warfarin, methotrexate, and possibly corticosteroids. [When Salsalate tablets, USP are administered with aspirin, its protein binding is reduced, although the clearance of free Salsalate tablets,… (Salsalate label, Drug interactions)

  • Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazidealdosterone antagonistModerate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • Succinylcholineneuromuscular blockerModerate

    Drugs that May Enhance the Neuromuscular Blocking Action of Succinylcholine : promazine, oxytocin, aprotinin, certain non-penicillin antibiotics, quinidine, β-adrenergic blockers, procainamide, lidocaine, trimethaphan, lithium carbonate, magnesium salts, quinine, chloroquine, isoflurane, desflurane, metoclopramide, terbutaline, and drugs that reduce plasma cholinesterase… (Succinylcholine label, Drug interactions)

  • Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazideangiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Moderate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

  • TeriflunomideimmunosuppressantModerate

    In patients taking AUBAGIO, exposure of drugs which are OAT3 substrates (e.g., cefaclor, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, ketoprofen, furosemide, methotrexate, zidovudine) may be increased. (Teriflunomide label, Drug interactions)

  • Triamterenepotassium-sparing diureticModerate

    …from blood bank (may contain up to 30 mEq of potassium per liter of plasma or up to 65 mEq per liter of whole blood when stored for more than 10 days); low-salt milk (may contain up to 60 mEq of potassium per liter); potassium-containing medications (such as parenteral penicillin G potassium); salt substitutes (most contain substantial amounts of potassium). (Triamterene label, Drug interactions)

  • Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazidepotassium-sparing diureticModerate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings)

  • Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazideangiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)Moderate

    Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy. (Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide label, Warnings and precautions)

Minor mentions (13)

  • AmikacinaminoglycosideMinor

    UNASYN and aminoglycosides should not be reconstituted together due to the in vitro inactivation of aminoglycosides by the ampicillin component of UNASYN. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

  • These include probenecid, cholestyramine, and some antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, rifampicin, ampicillin and chloramphenicol). (Carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone label, Drug interactions)

  • These include probenecid, cholestyramine, and some antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, rifampicin, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol). (Entacapone label, Precautions)

  • Erythromycinmacrolide antibioticMinor

    Infants born to women treated during pregnancy with oral erythromycin for early syphilis should be treated with an appropriate penicillin regimen. (Erythromycin label, Warnings)

  • A similar association, though less marked, has been suggested for barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin sodium, and possibly with griseofulvin, ampicillin, and tetracyclines. (Ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl estradiol label, Drug interactions)

  • GentamicinaminoglycosideMinor

    UNASYN and aminoglycosides should not be reconstituted together due to the in vitro inactivation of aminoglycosides by the ampicillin component of UNASYN. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

  • MeropenemantibioticMinor

    There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions when treated with another β-lactam. (Meropenem label, Warnings and precautions)

  • NeomycinaminoglycosideMinor

    UNASYN and aminoglycosides should not be reconstituted together due to the in vitro inactivation of aminoglycosides by the ampicillin component of UNASYN. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

  • Patients who are allergic to penicillin may theoretically have cross-sensitivity to penicillamine. (Penicillamine label, Precautions)

  • PlazomicinaminoglycosideMinor

    UNASYN and aminoglycosides should not be reconstituted together due to the in vitro inactivation of aminoglycosides by the ampicillin component of UNASYN. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

  • Raloxifeneselective estrogen receptor modulatorMinor

    Other Concomitant Medications EVISTA can be concomitantly administered with ampicillin, amoxicillin, antacids, corticosteroids, and digoxin [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . (Raloxifene label, Drug interactions)

  • Some antibiotics such as penicillin may compete with phenylacetylglutamine and hippurate for active secretion by renal tubules, which may affect the overall disposition of the infused drug. (Sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate label, Drug interactions)

  • TobramycinaminoglycosideMinor

    UNASYN and aminoglycosides should not be reconstituted together due to the in vitro inactivation of aminoglycosides by the ampicillin component of UNASYN. (Ampicillin and sulbactam label, Drug interactions)

No significant interaction reported (2)

  • AminophyllinemethylxanthineNo interaction

    …Produce No Clinically Significant Interaction With Theophylline Refer to PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions for information regarding table. albuterol, systemic and inhaled amoxicillin ampicillin, with or without sulbactam atenolol azithromycin caffeine, dietary ingestion cefaclor co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) diltiazem dirithromycin enflurane… (Aminophylline label, Drug interactions)

  • TheophyllinemethylxanthineNo interaction

    …interact with theophylline or drugs that produce no clinically significant interaction with theophylline.* albuterol, systemic and inhaled mebendazole amoxicillin medroxyprogesterone ampicillin, with or without methylprednisolone sulbactam metronidazole atenolol metoprolol azithromycin nadolol caffeine, dietary ingestion nifedipine cefaclor nizatidine co-trimoxazole… (Theophylline label, Drug interactions)

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Not medical advice. Severity reflects the label's wording, not your circumstances. A "major" flag can be routine under supervision and a "minor" one can matter at high doses. Ask a pharmacist.