Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Injection of Ampicillin/Sulbactam
• Technical Term: Injection, ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium, per 1.5 gm (HCPCS Code J0295)

Summary

This procedure involves the injection of a combination antibiotic treatment consisting of ampicillin sodium and sulbactam sodium. The medication is administered through an injection to treat certain types of bacterial infections.

Purpose

The injection is used to combat severe bacterial infections that are susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam, including skin infections, abdominal infections, gynecological infections, and respiratory tract infections. The goal is to eliminate the bacterial infection and alleviate symptoms associated with it.

Indications

• Presence of bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
• Conditions like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or intra-abdominal infections that require aggressive treatment.
• Patients who have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection confirmed by lab tests indicating susceptibility to ampicillin and sulbactam.

Preparation

• Patients might be instructed to hydrate well before the procedure.
• No special fasting or preparation is typically required.
• A thorough medical history and possible allergy testing, especially for penicillins, should be conducted.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: The healthcare provider confirms the indication and patient's medical history.
2. Preparation of Injection: The ampicillin/sulbactam combination is prepared in a sterile environment.
3. Administration:
   • The injection site (usually in the muscle or intravenously) is cleaned with an antiseptic.
   • The needle is then inserted, and the medication is slowly injected.
4. Post-Injection: The site is watched for any immediate adverse reactions.

Tools/Equipment: Sterile syringe, ampicillin/sulbactam vial, antiseptic wipes, and bandages.

Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required unless the patient has anxiety or discomfort issues.

Duration

The injection process takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Setting

Typically performed in:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Urgent care centers

Personnel

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Physician or Physician's Assistant (PA)
• Pharmacist (for medication preparation)
• Medical Assistant (as needed)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Injection site pain, redness, or swelling.
• Rare: Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, superinfection, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Benefits

• Rapid reduction of bacterial load.
• Symptom relief often begins within 24-48 hours.
• Prevention of infection spread and complications.

Recovery

• Post-injection, minor discomfort or localized swelling at the injection site may be experienced.
• Patients can generally resume normal activities shortly after.
• Follow-up might be required to monitor the infection response and additional doses might be necessary.

Alternatives

• Oral antibiotics for less severe infections.
• Other injectable antibiotics if there's an allergy to penicillin.
• Pros include convenience and fewer side effects, while cons might include less efficacy for severe infections.

Patient Experience

• During: Mild discomfort from the needle insertion, possible slight burning sensation.
• After: Minor soreness at the injection site, improvement in infection symptoms should be noticed within a couple of days.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold packs can mitigate injection site discomfort.