Other Brands/Names

Sulperazon, Fosular, Stabactam, Quabacef, Ferotam, Cefoject, Baxcef, Cefoperazone/Sulbactam, Sulbacef, Sulpefion, Bactraz, Cefobactam, Cefratam, Simextam, Fopebac, Zotam, Nubac.

How It Works

Cefoperazone is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by preventing the growth of bacteria causing infections. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor, that stops bacteria from breaking down cefoperazone, thus enhancing its effectiveness. The combination of these two drugs is used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections.

Indications

The combination of cefoperazone and sulbactam is used to treat bacterial infections, including those affecting the skin, female reproductive organs, and abdomen or belly.

Contraindications

This medication should not be used by individuals who have a history of allergies to:

• Cefoperazone

• Sulbactam

• Other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., cephalosporins, penicillins)

Side Effects

Cefoperazone-sulbactam can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe, such as:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Pain at the injection site

• Chest pain

• Difficulty or painful urination

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Signs of liver problems

• Severe intestinal issues caused by a bacterium called Clostridium difficile, with symptoms like:

  • Persistent diarrhea

  • Abdominal pain or cramps

  • Blood or mucus in the stool

• Prolonged or repeated use may also lead to yeast infections in the mouth or genital area (vagina).

Types

Cefoperazone-sulbactam is available in a 1-gram vial for injection.

Dosage

Adults

• The standard dose of this medicine is 1-2 grams (1:1 ratio of cefoperazone to sulbactam).

• In severe infections, the dose can be increased to 4 grams.

• The medicine is administered every 12 hours in divided doses.

• The maximum dose of sulbactam is 4 grams per day.

Children

• The recommended dose is 0.02-0.04 grams/kg daily (1:1 ratio).

• In severe infections, the dose can be increased to 0.08 grams/kg daily.

• All doses are given every 6-12 hours in divided doses.

• The maximum dose of sulbactam is 0.08 grams/kg/day.

Safety

Cefoperazone-sulbactam contains sodium (salt). If you are on a salt-restricted diet or have conditions that may worsen with excessive salt intake, such as congestive heart failure, consult your doctor.

This medication may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Inform your healthcare provider that you are using cefoperazone-sulbactam before receiving any immunizations.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if clearly necessary. Cefoperazone-sulbactam is excreted in breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Cefoperazone-sulbactam may enhance the effects and side effects of anticoagulants (blood thinners), increasing the risk of bleeding.

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