Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that is often used in combination with certain antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness. It works by blocking the action of enzymes produced by bacteria that can break down these antibiotics, allowing them to work more effectively against bacterial infections. Typically, sulbactam is combined with ampicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, to treat various infections, including those caused by Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae. This combination helps to overcome antibiotic resistance, making it a valuable tool in modern medicine for treating resistant bacterial infections.