STERITAX 1.5G INJECTION

Indications

• Bacterial infections
• Susceptible infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Severe diabetic foot infections
• Prophylaxis of infection from human and animal bites

Dosage

Adults: 1–2 g once daily, or 2 g every 8 hours for severe infections or hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Mechanism of action

Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting mucopeptide synthesis in the bacterial cell wall. Its beta-lactam structure binds to carboxypeptidases, endopeptidases, and transpeptidases located in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, which are crucial for cell wall synthesis and division. This binding leads to enzyme inactivity, resulting in the formation of defective cell walls and ultimately bacterial cell death.

Pharmacodynamics

Ceftriaxone is a beta-lactam antibiotic with bactericidal properties, primarily affecting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It exhibits activity against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The drug is stable against hydrolysis by many beta-lactamases, which enhances its effectiveness against resistant bacterial strains. However, it can still be subject to resistance mechanisms such as beta-lactamase production and alterations in penicillin-binding proteins.

Pharmacokinetics

Ceftriaxone has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing in many cases. It is widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including the central nervous system, making it effective for treating infections such as meningitis. The drug is primarily eliminated via the kidneys, with a portion excreted in the bile. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment.

Contra-indications

• Hypersensitivity to ceftriaxone or any of its ingredients
• History of severe allergic reactions to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics
• Newborns with hyperbilirubinemia
• Concurrent use with calcium-containing solutions in neonates

Adverse effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Thrombocytosis
• Thrombophlebitis at the injection site
• Antibiotic-associated colitis
• Acute kidney injury
• Jaundice
• Biliary sludge
• Neurotoxicity (rare, may include seizures)

Interactions

• Calcium-containing solutions (risk of precipitation)
• Probenecid (may increase plasma concentrations of ceftriaxone)
• Anticoagulants (may enhance anticoagulant effect)
• Other nephrotoxic agents (increased risk of renal impairment)

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
• Caution in patients with hepatic impairment
• Monitor for signs of antibiotic-associated colitis
• Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease

Pregnancy

Not known to be harmful, but should be used only if clearly needed.

Breast-feeding

Present in milk in low concentrations, but generally considered appropriate to use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius and used within 24 hours.

Formulations

• Powder for solution for injection: 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g vials

Indications

• Infections caused by beta-lactamase producing organisms
• Complicated skin and soft tissue infections
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infections

Dosage

Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations based on the child's age, weight, and the type of infection.

Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing recommendations based on the type and severity of the infection.

Mechanism of action

Sulbactam is a competitive, irreversible inhibitor of bacterial beta-lactamases, particularly potent against class C beta-lactamases. It binds to the active site of the enzyme, preventing it from hydrolyzing beta-lactam antibiotics, which enhances the effectiveness of these antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains.

Pharmacodynamics

When administered with beta-lactam antibiotics, sulbactam broadens their antibacterial spectrum by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for their hydrolysis. Although sulbactam has weak intrinsic antibacterial activity on its own, it can effectively bind to penicillin-binding proteins in certain bacteria, contributing to its therapeutic effect. It helps restore the activity of beta-lactam antibiotics against a wide range of beta-lactamase-producing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Pharmacokinetics

Sulbactam is administered parenterally and is typically well absorbed. It has a short half-life, necessitating frequent dosing when used alone. The drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Its pharmacokinetic profile may vary based on the formulation used and the presence of co-administered antibiotics.

Pregnancy

There is limited data on the use of sulbactam in pregnancy. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

It is not known if sulbactam is excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when administering to breastfeeding women.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Protect from moisture.

Formulations

• Injectable solution

Mechanism of action

Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting the mucopeptide synthesis in the bacterial cell wall. The beta-lactam moiety of ceftriaxone binds to carboxypeptidases, endopeptidases, and transpeptidases in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. These enzymes are involved in cell-wall synthesis and cell division. Binding of ceftriaxone to these enzymes causes the enzyme to lose activity; therefore, the bacteria produce defective cell walls, causing cell death.

Pharmacodynamics

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin/cephamycin beta-lactam antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. Ceftriaxone has <i>in vitro</i> activity against gram-positive aerobic, gram-negative aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of ceftriaxone results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through ceftriaxone binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Ceftriaxone is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. However, resistance to ceftriaxone usually occurs through beta-lactamase hydrolysis, altered PBPs, or reduced bacterial cell permeability. Ceftriaxone should not be mixed with or giving in the same IV line as diluents/products containing calcium as they may cause ceftriaxone to precipitate. Ceftriaxone use may also cause biliary sludge or gallbladder pseudolithiasis.

Mechanism of action

Sulbactam is a competitive, irreversible bacterial beta (β)-lactamase inhibitor. It is reported to be more potent against class C beta-lactamases.

Pharmacodynamics

When given together with beta-lactam antibiotics, sulbactam broadens their antibacterial spectrum by blocking the enzyme involved in their hydrolysis. Sulbactam alone possesses weak intrinsic antibacterial activity except against the _Neisseriaceae_, _Acinetobacter spp._, and _Bacteroides fragilis_ as it can bind to the penicillin-binding proteins. Sulbactam restores the activity of beta-lactam antibiotics against a range of beta-lactamase-producing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.