Piperacillin-tazobactam

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Information about Piperacillin-tazobactam[edit source]

Piperacillin is an extended-spectrum ureidopenicillin which, when combined with the beta-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam, is used to treat moderate-to-severe infectious due to susceptible organisms including lactamase producing penicillin-resistant bacteria.

Liver toxicity of Piperacillin-tazobactam[edit source]

Piperacillin-tazobactam has been linked with idiosyncratic liver injury, but only rarely and as isolated case reports.

Mechanism of action of Piperacillin-tazobactam[edit source]

Piperacillin-tazobactam is the combination of a fourth generation, extended-spectrum penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor that is used for moderate-to-severe infections caused by susceptible agents, such as (but not limited to) Escherichia coli, many Bacteroides and Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae.


The combination of piperacillin with tazobactam provides broad activity against beta-lactamase producing penicillin-resistant bacterial species. This combination was approved for use in the United States in 1985 and is generally reserved for severe infections requiring parenteral therapy.

Dosage and administration for Piperacillin-tazobactam[edit source]

Piperacillin-tazobactam is available in parenteral form for intravenous use in generic forms and under the trade name Zosyn. Recommended doses are 3 to 4.5 grams of piperacillin with 0.375 to 0.5 grams of tazobactam every 6 to 8 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Side effects of Piperacillin-tazobactam[edit source]

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash and hypersensitivity reactions.

Penicillin antibiotics[edit source]

Piperacillin-tazobactam Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD