Piperacillin/Tazobactam: The Combination Antibiotic for Serious Infections
What is Piperacillin/Tazobactam?
Piperacillin/Tazobactam is a combination antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal infections. It combines the beta-lactam antibiotic piperacillin with tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which helps protect piperacillin from being broken down by bacteria.
How Piperacillin/Tazobactam Works
Piperacillin works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, while tazobactam inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes, which are produced by some bacteria to destroy beta-lactam antibiotics. This combination makes the treatment effective against a wide range of resistant bacteria.
When to Use Piperacillin/Tazobactam
● Severe Infections: It is used for hospital-acquired pneumonia, sepsis, intra-abdominal infections, and skin and soft tissue infections.
● Urinary Tract Infections: Piperacillin/Tazobactam is also effective for complicated UTIs caused by resistant bacteria.
Dosage
● Adult Dose: Typically, 3.375 g to 4.5 g intravenously every 6-8 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. Maximum dose is 18 g/day.
● Pediatric Dose: Dosing is based on weight and infection severity, typically 80-100 mg/kg/day divided into 3-4 doses.
Side Effects
● Common Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, rash, and fever.
● Serious Adverse Effects: Allergic reactions, kidney toxicity, and Clostridium difficile colitis.
Common Brands: Pipzo, Piptaz.
