Uses of Piperacillin+Tazobactam

The combination of Piperacillin and Tazobactam is used to treat several bacterial infections such as lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbation causing breathing difficulties, urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, skin infections, abdominal, biliary tract infections and female pelvic infections such as postpartum endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease, bacteraemia and bacterial meningitis in infants and children. It is also used along with other antibacterial agents in the management of neutropenia associated with fever caused by bacterial infection.             

Therapeutic Category

Piperacillin: Antibiotics (Penicillin)

Tazobactam: Antibiotics (Beta-lactamase inhibitor)  

How Piperacillin+Tazobactam works

Piperacillin + Tazobactam works by destroying the bacterial growth responsible for causing infections. Piperacillin works by interrupting the cell wall formation by binding with the enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis. This binding causes defects in the cell wall leading to cell death causing death of the organism. Tazobactam is responsible for the irreversible termination of enzymes (beta- lactamases) that protects the organism from antibiotics and produces less anti-bacterial actions when given alone so it’s always used in combination with other antibiotics. Thus, both the substances works by preventing cell growth and function inhibiting bacterial growth.  

Common side effects of Piperacillin+Tazobactam

• diarrhoea
• yeast infection
• headache
• sleeplessness
• stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation
• skin rash, itching
• fever, injection site reaction

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Serious skin rashes appear as reddish target-like spots or circular patches often with blisters,) ulcers in mouth, throat, nose, extremities, genitals red and swollen eyes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, dermatitis bullous, dermatitis exfoliative, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• A potentially fatal allergic condition (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) involving skin and other organs such as the kidney and liver
• Skin condition (acute generalised exanthemata’s pustulosis) symptoms include numerous tiny fluids filled blisters with swollen and reddened skin
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing (angioedema)
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Severe diarrhoea with fever

Health Tips for Piperacillin+Tazobactam

• While receiving antibiotics, it's important to rest and allow your body to heal. Get plenty of rest to support your immune system. Staying well-hydrated is generally recommended during treatment
• Before receiving Piperacillin + Tazobactam inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding women and if you have liver diseases, kidney diseases or undergoing dialysis, suffer from diarrhea
• Avoid driving or handling heavy machines after receiving Piperacillin + Tazobactam as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness or blurred vision
• Inform your doctor if you experience any side effects or unusual symptoms while receiving this medication
• Before receiving Piperacillin + Tazobactam inform your doctor if you are taking certain medications to treat gout (Ex. Probenecid), treat blood clots (Ex. warfarin, aspirin), arthritis or psoriasis (methotrexate), medicines reducing potassium levels (Ex. furosemide) as these medications may interact with each other and alter the therapeutic effectiveness and increases the risk of side effects