Sulbactam is primarily used in combination with beta-lactam antibiotics, especially ampicillin, to enhance their effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria. It works by irreversibly inhibiting certain beta-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria, which would otherwise break down the antibiotic. This protective action restores the activity of the antibiotic against beta-lactamase-producing strains, making it effective in treating infections such as intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections. It is particularly valuable in hospital settings where infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, including Acinetobacter species, are common. In some cases, sulbactam itself has intrinsic antibacterial activity against certain Acinetobacter strains, contributing directly to the therapeutic effect. Due to its role in overcoming antibiotic resistance, sulbactam is an important component in the management of serious bacterial infections where standard antibiotics may fail.