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Treatment of bacterial infections in children with sultamicillin

H Scholz1, X Märker, T Rockstroh

  • 1Paediatric Institute for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Infectiology, Microbiology and Hygiene, Berlin-Buch, Wiltbergstrasse 50, D-13125 Berlin-Buch, Germany.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|April 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Sultamicillin, a combination of ampicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor sulbactam, effectively treats infections in children. This antibiotic demonstrated a 90% success rate in a study, with common side-effects including rash and diarrhea.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Beta-lactamase-producing pathogens necessitate treatment with beta-lactamase-stable antibiotics or penicillin derivatives combined with inhibitors.
  • Sulbactam functions as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, enhancing ampicillin's spectrum against resistant bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sultamicillin in treating infections in pediatric patients.
  • To assess the therapeutic success rate and identify common side-effects of sultamicillin treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 100 pediatric patients (6 months to 12 years) with respiratory, skin, and mucous membrane infections.
  • Patients received a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day of sultamicillin, administered in two divided doses.
  • Therapy success and adverse events were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

  • Sultamicillin achieved a high therapy success rate of 90% in the studied pediatric population.
  • The most frequently observed side-effects were exanthemas (rashes) and diarrhea.
  • Sultamicillin exhibits favorable bioavailability, even when administered after meals.

Conclusions:

  • Sultamicillin is an effective treatment option for pediatric infections caused by susceptible pathogens.
  • The drug is generally well-tolerated, with manageable side-effects.
  • Sultamicillin offers a convenient dosing regimen and good bioavailability in children.

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