Tazobac IV Infusion

Introduction

Piperacillin and Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) is a combination antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It consists of two active ingredients, piperacillin and tazobactam, which work together to provide a longer lasting effect than either one alone. Piperacillin is a semi-synthetic penicillin and tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor.

Uses for

Piperacillin-Tazobactam is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria including lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, intra-abdominal infections, female pelvic infectious disease, gynecological infections, and complicated urinary tract infections.

Mechanism of Action

Piperacillin and tazobactam work together to inhibit the enzymes of bacteria that can inactivate the piperacillin. In other words, the tazobactam inhibits the synthesis of an enzyme produced by bacteria that can break down the piperacillin. This effect increases the amount of time that the piperacillin is able to remain active and therefore increases the potency of the antibiotic combination.

How long does it take to work

The antibiotic effects of piperacillin-tazobactam are usually noticed within 1-2 days of starting treatment. However, it may take longer for the infection to be completely eradicated. The duration of treatment is based on the patient's response to the medication, clinical outcome, and susceptibility of the infecting organism.

Absorption

Piperacillin-tazobactam is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak concentrations occurring within one hour of administration.

Route of Elimination

Piperacillin-tazobactam is eliminated primarily in the urine by renal excretion. A small amount is eliminated through metabolism.

Dosage

The recommended dose of piperacillin-tazobactam is 4.5gm (4g piperacillin, 0.5gm tazobactam) IV every six hours for 10-14 days. Piperacillin-tazobactam may also be given as 1.5 gm (1g piperacillin, 0.5gm tazobactam) IV every 8 hours for 10-14 days.

Administration

Piperacillin-tazobactam should be administered intravenously over a minimum of 30 minutes as directed by your physician.

Side Effects

Common side effects of piperacillin-tazobactam include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, and skin rash.

Toxicity

Toxicity related to piperacillin-tazobactam use is rare. If it occurs, it is usually seen in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

Precaution

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to penicillin or beta-lactam drugs and those with a history of kidney or liver disease should use piperacillin-tazobactam with caution.

Interaction

Piperacillin-tazobactam may interact with other medications, including phenytoin, probenecid, methicillin, and sulfamethoxazole.

Disease Interaction

Patients with pre-existing immune deficiencies should use piperacillin-tazobactam with caution.

Drug Interaction

Piperacillin-tazobactam can interact with other medications, including antacids, probenecid, and amphotericin B.

Food Interaction

Patients should not take piperacillin-tazobactam with food. If taken with food, absorption may be decreased and effectiveness decreased.

Pregnancy Use

Piperacillin-tazobactam is classified as FDA pregnancy category B, meaning it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.

Lactation Use

Piperacillin-tazobactam is excreted in breast milk and should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers.

Acute Overdose

Signs of acute overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Treatment is supportive care, and dialysis may be needed in severe cases.

Contraindication

Piperacillin-tazobactam is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to piperacillin or tazobactam or to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins.

Use Directions

Piperacillin-tazobactam should be administered intravenously by an infusion over 30 minutes. Do not mix with dextrose solutions. Do not administer intramuscularly.