Generic
Piperacillin + Tazobactam
8 brands available in the market
At a glance
Piperacillin + Tazobactam is a combination of two antibiotics used for various bacterial infections including intra-abdominal infections, skin and skin structure infections, female pelvic infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and nosocomial pneumonia.
Description
Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum semi-synthetic penicillin active against many gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It exerts bactericidal activity by inhibition of septum and cell wall synthesis. Tazobactam is a potent inhibitor of many beta-lactamases that commonly cause resistance to penicillins, enhancing and extending the antibiotic spectrum of piperacillin.
Indications
- Intra-abdominal infections (appendicitis, peritonitis)
- Skin and skin structure infections (cellulitis, cutaneous abscess, ischemic/diabetic foot infections)
- Female pelvic infections (postpartum endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Nosocomial pneumonia
Therapeutic class
Broad spectrum penicillins, Other beta-lactam antibiotics
Pharmacological class
Penicillin + Beta-lactamase Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin that kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that inactivates bacterial resistance enzymes, making piperacillin effective against resistant bacteria.
Mechanism of action
Kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis and inactivating beta-lactamase enzymes.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Intravenous):
- Nosocomial pneumonia: 4.5 g every 6 hours (5-14 days), with aminoglycoside
- Empiric therapy for febrile neutropenia: 4.5 g every 6 hours (5-14 days)
- Complicated intra-abdominal infections: 4.5 g every 8 hours (5-14 days)
- Complicated UTI; Skin and soft tissue infections: 4.5 g every 8 hours (5-14 days)
- Renal impairment (CrCl <20): 2.25 g every 8 hours; (CrCl 20-40): 2.25 g every 6 hours; Hemodialysis: 2.25 g every 12 hours + 0.75 g post-dialysis
Pediatric Dose (Intravenous):
- 2-12 years (febrile neutropenia): 90 mg/kg every 6 hours (max 4.5 g/dose)
- 2-12 years (intra-abdominal): 112.5 mg/kg every 8 hours (max 4.5 g/dose)
- >12 years: Adult dose
Administration
- Administered by healthcare professional as IV infusion over 30 minutes
- Do not self-administer
- Follow reconstitution instructions
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Fever
- Injection site reaction
- Hypoglycemia
- Myalgia
- Arthralgia
- Insomnia
- Candidiasis
- Pseudomembranous colitis
Precautions & warnings
- Serious hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylactic) may occur; discontinue if reaction occurs
- Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SJS, TEN, DRESS, AGEP) may occur; discontinue for progressive rash
- Hematological effects (bleeding, leukopenia, neutropenia) may occur; monitor during prolonged therapy
- Nephrotoxicity; consider alternative treatment; monitor renal function
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea; evaluate if diarrhea occurs
Contraindications
- History of allergic reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or beta-lactamase inhibitors
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides: Piperacillin may inactivate aminoglycosides; tobramycin concentrations may be reduced
- Probenecid: Prolongs half-life of piperacillin and tazobactam
- Anticoagulants: Monitor coagulation parameters
- Vecuronium: Neuromuscular blockade may be prolonged
- Methotrexate: Reduced clearance; monitor for toxicity
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Piperacillin + Tazobactam does not cause harmful effects.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Generally considered safe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects; limited human studies available.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies show insignificant transfer to breast milk and no harm to the baby.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children under 2 months; 2 months-12 years: weight-based dosing; >12 years: adult dose.
Geriatric use
Elderly patients (≥65 years) are not at increased risk solely due to age; however, dose adjustment in renal impairment is needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Dose reduction required in patients with CrCl ≤40 mL/min and dialysis patients; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: No dose adjustment required in hepatic cirrhosis.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; at higher doses, neuromuscular excitability or convulsions (especially in renal failure); treatment: symptomatic and supportive.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture; use within 24 hours after reconstitution (room temperature) or 48 hours (refrigerated); keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Piperacillin + Tazobactam