Piperacillin/Tazobactam (Zosyn)

uses

What is piperacillin/tazobactam used for?Piperacillin/tazobactam is an antibiotic that is commonly used for infections caused by certain bacteria.Piperacillin/tazobactam may not be appropriate for all infections, depending on which bacteria are causing the infection. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, which will make it not work as well. Piperacillin/tazobactam only treats certain infections caused by bacteria. Piperacillin/tazobactam will not work for infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold, the flu, or coronavirus. It also will not work for any infections that are not caused by bacteria. Using piperacillin/tazobactam or any other antibiotic when it is not needed may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.Piperacillin/tazobactam may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does piperacillin/tazobactam work (mechanism of action)?Piperacillin kills certain bacteria by preventing them from being able to create their cell wall. Some bacteria can produce substances that reduce the effects of piperacillin. Tazobactam destroys these substances, allowing piperacillin to keep working.How is piperacillin/tazobactam supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesZosynPiperacillin/tazobactam is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.How should I store piperacillin/tazobactam?Piperacillin/tazobactam is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store piperacillin/tazobactam at home, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.

how to use

liquid that is injected into a blood vessel

drug interactions

Does piperacillin/tazobactam interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between piperacillin/tazobactam and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect piperacillin/tazobactam, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.Does piperacillin/tazobactam interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using piperacillin/tazobactam.Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancerProbenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for goutA blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clotsAn aminoglycoside antibiotic, such as amikacin, gentamicin, or tobramycin, which is a medicine given by injection to treat infectionsVancomycin, which is a medicine given by injection to treat infectionsThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with piperacillin/tazobactam. Always check with your healthcare provider.

side effects

What are the most common side effects of piperacillin/tazobactam?The most common side effects of piperacillin/tazobactam are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Diarrhea (see below)ConstipationNauseaHeadacheTrouble sleepingThere may be other side effects of piperacillin/tazobactam that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of piperacillin/tazobactam?While less common, the most serious side effects of piperacillin/tazobactam are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Piperacillin/tazobactam can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop using the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painDark-colored urine (pee)Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Severe Skin Reactions. Piperacillin/tazobactam can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop piperacillin/tazobactam and tell your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS, TEN, or AGEP.Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offRed skin covered with fluid-filled bumps (pustules)Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyesSevere Immune System Reaction. Some people who have used piperacillin/tazobactam have developed a life-threatening immune system condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This condition can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, bone marrow, and brain. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of HLH.Fever or rash that does not go awayTrouble breathingSeizuresSwollen lymph nodes Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Vision changes or vision lossAntibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including piperacillin/tazobactam. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea or pseudomembranous colitis, and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.Watery diarrheaDiarrhea that does not go awayBlood in your stool (poop)Severe stomach crampsFever that starts after you start or finish the medicineBlood Disorders. Piperacillin/tazobactam can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop using piperacillin/tazobactam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.Fever that does not go awayShortness of breathPale or yellowish skinEasy bruising or bleedingFrequent infectionUnusual weakness or tirednessDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outHeadacheFast or abnormal heartbeatElectrolyte Changes. Piperacillin/tazobactam may cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia) and high sodium levels (hypernatremia). These changes can be serious, especially in people with heart failure or who are taking certain other medicines. Keep appointments for blood work so that your healthcare provider can check your electrolyte levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of electrolyte changes.WeaknessUnusual tirednessMuscle cramps or twitchingConstipationNausea, vomiting, or loss of appetiteDizzinessRestlessness or irritabilityDifficulty breathingConfusion or decreased alertnessKidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using piperacillin/tazobactam. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.Reduced need to peeSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsWeakness or unusual tirednessDifficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressureConfusionNauseaSeizuresSeizures. Some people who have used piperacillin/tazobactam have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using piperacillin/tazobactam and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movementsStiffening of your arms and legsFeeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dreadFeeling dizzy or lightheadedFalling or losing consciousness

overdose and misseddose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much piperacillin/tazobactam?If you or someone else has used too much piperacillin/tazobactam, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of piperacillin/tazobactam?Piperacillin/tazobactam is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving piperacillin/tazobactam as scheduled.It is important to complete your prescribed course of piperacillin/tazobactam, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam or other similar medicines.

warnings and Precautions

Who should not use piperacillin/tazobactam?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use piperacillin/tazobactam.PiperacillinTazobactamZosynAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific piperacillin/tazobactam products they stock.Allergies to Certain Antibiotics. Some people who have an allergy to certain other antibiotics, such as penicillin, may also be allergic to piperacillin/tazobactam. Let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic.What should I know about piperacillin/tazobactam before using it?Piperacillin/tazobactam is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.If you will store piperacillin/tazobactam at home, do not share it with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep piperacillin/tazobactam out of the reach of children.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using piperacillin/tazobactam?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if piperacillin/tazobactam is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.An allergy to penicillin or any other medicinesCystic fibrosisHistory of antibiotic-associated diarrheaKidney problemsLiver problemsOther Medicines and Supplements. Piperacillin/tazobactam may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using piperacillin/tazobactam, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how piperacillin/tazobactam could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use piperacillin/tazobactam while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. Piperacillin/tazobactam passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use piperacillin/tazobactam while breastfeeding.

about

Piperacillin/tazobactam is an antibiotic that is injected into a blood vessel. It is used to treat bacterial infections. It kills certain bacteria by preventing them from being able to create their cell wall. Common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or headache. Serious side effects may include severe diarrhea, severe skin reactions, or allergic reactions.