The Basics
What is Ampicillin and Sulbactam?
Typically used to treat bacterial infections that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics
Brand names for Ampicillin and Sulbactam
Ampicillin And Sulbactam, Unasyn
How Ampicillin and Sulbactam is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Penicillins
Ampicillin and Sulbactam During Pregnancy
Ampicillin and Sulbactam pregnancy category
Category Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ampicillin and Sulbactam while pregnant
N/A
Taking Ampicillin and Sulbactam While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ampicillin and Sulbactam?
Limited information indicates that ampicillin-sulbactam produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally, disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush, have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ampicillin-sulbactam is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that ampicillin-sulbactam produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally, disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush, have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ampicillin-sulbactam is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Ampicillin and Sulbactam on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ampicillin and Sulbactam
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Pons G, Rey E. [Passage of antibiotics into maternal milk]. Med Mal Infect. 1994;24 (Special Issue 1):1088-106. DOI: doi:10.1016/S0399-077X(05)80220-3
2. Amiraslanova LA, Emel’yanova AI, Fursova SA et al. [Some aspects of ampicillin, kanamycin and cefuroxim pharmacokinetics in puerperant patients with endometritis.] Akush Ginekol (Mosk). 1985;Oct (10):14-7. PMID: 2934996
3. Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Xu Z. [Tissue and body fluid distribution of antibacterial agents in pregnant and lactating women]. Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi.1997;32(5):288-92. PMID: 9596854
4. Foulds G, Miller D, Knirsch AK et al. Sulbactam kinetics and excretion into breast milk in postpartum women. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985;6:692-6. PMID: 2998677
5. Foulds G, Miller RD, Stankewich JP et al. The pharmacokinetics of subactam and ampicillin in postpartum women. In: Spitzy KH, Karrer K, eds. Proc 13th Int Congress Chemother. 1983;1:23-17-23/22.
6. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M et al. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
7. Campbell AC, McElnay JC, Passmore CM. The excretion of ampicillin in breast milk and its effect on the suckling infant. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991;31:230p. Abstract. PMC: PMC1368401
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
