Indications
Piperacillin and tazobactam is a combination medicine. It joins piperacillin, a penicillin-class antibacterial, with tazobactam, a β-lactamase inhibitor. It is used for patients with moderate to severe infections caused by susceptible isolates of the bacteria named below. Intra-abdominal infections It is used for appendicitis (complicated by rupture or abscess) and peritonitis caused by β-lactamase producing isolates of Escherichia coli, or by these members of the Bacteroides fragilis group: B. fragilis, B. ovatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, or B. vulgatus. Skin and skin structure infections It treats uncomplicated and complicated skin and skin structure infections, including cellulites, cutaneous abscesses and ischemic/diabetic foot infections caused by β-lactamase producing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. Female pelvic infections Piperacillin and tazobactam is used for postpartum endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease caused by β-lactamase producing isolates of Escherichia coli. Community-acquired pneumonia It is used for community-acquired pneumonia of moderate severity only, caused by β-lactamase producing isolates of Haemophilus influenzae. Nosocomial pneumonia It is used for nosocomial pneumonia (moderate to severe) caused by β-lactamase producing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, and by piperacillin/tazobactam-susceptible Acinetobacter baumanii, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nosocomial pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa should be treated in combination with an aminoglycoside.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Piperacillin is a broad spectrum, semi-synthetic penicillin active against many gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It works by killing bacteria through inhibition of both septum and cell wall synthesis. Tazobactam is a potent inhibitor of many beta-lactamases, including the plasmid and chromosomally mediated enzymes that commonly cause resistance to penicillins. It enhances and extends the antibiotic spectrum of Piperacillin to include many beta-lactamase-producing bacteria normally resistant to it. Thus, this infusion combines the properties of a broad-spectrum antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Piperacillin and tazobactam are both known to cross the placenta in humans. That said, there isn't enough data on their use during pregnancy to determine whether they carry any risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Piperacillin does pass into human breast milk, while tazobactam's presence in breast milk hasn't been studied. Whether the combination affects a breastfeeding baby or a mother's milk supply is also not currently known.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.