Sulbactam sodium
Application Notes
Sulbactam sodium is a semi-synthetic penem antibiotic formed by the oxidation of penicillanic acid to its sulfone and was invented by Barth at Pfizer in 1978. Sulbactam sodium is a weak antibiotic but its action as an irreversible inhibitor of β-lactamase is exploited to block the degradation of other penicillin derivatives. Sulbactam acts as a synergist with cephalosporins and penicillins against Gram positive bacteria and is used commercially in combination with ampicillin.
References
- Penicillanic acid 1,1-dioxides as beta-lactamase inhibitors. Barth W.E. US Patent 41,234,579 1980.
- CP-45,899 in combination with penicillin or ampicillin against penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Bacteroides. Retsema J.A. et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 1980, 17, 615.
- Sulbactam/Ampicillin. A review of its antibacterial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic use. Campoli-Richards D.M. and Brogden R.N. Drugs 1987, 33, 577.



