Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with systemic and/or local bacterial infections, caused by piperacillin resistant, piperacillin/tazobactam susceptible, β-lactamase producing strains of the designated microorganisms in the specified conditions listed below:
- Intra-abdominal infections caused by piperacillin resistant, β-lactamase producing strains of E. coli or members of the B. fragilis group.
- Uncomplicated and complicated skin and skin structure infections, including cellulitis, cutaneous abscess and acute ischemic/diabetic foot infections.
- Postpartum endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease caused by piperacillin resistant, β-lactamase producing strains of E. coli.
- Community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections.
- Nosocomial pneumonia.
To reduce the development of drug resistant bacteria, Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection may be useful as presumptive therapy in the indicated conditions prior to identification of causative organisms because of its broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
Appropriate cultures should usually be performed before initiating antimicrobial treatment in order to isolate and identify the organisms causing infection and to determine their susceptibility to Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection.
Before initiating therapy with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins or other allergens.
- Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection should be administered by slow intravenous infusion over 30 minutes.
- Due to microbial considerations, intravenous admixtures are usually recommended for use within a maximum of 24 hours at room temperature or 72 hours when refrigerated (2-8°C).
The following may interact with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection:
- Aminoglycosides,
- Probenecid,
- Heparin,
- Vecuronium and
- Methotrexate.
The usual dose of Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection for adults is 3 g / 0.375 g, given every six hours, or 4 g / 0.5 g, given every eight hours.
The usual duration of Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection treatment is from 7 to 10/14 days. However, in all conditions, the duration of therapy should be guided by the severity of the infection and the patient’s clinical and bacteriological progress.
Side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, rash, red skin, hives, headache, dizziness, anxiety, sweating, agitation, shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain or swelling, fever and pain.
Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) has been also reported with piperacillin/tazobactam use.
Resource Person: Lobna Adi (Clinical Pharmacist)