Piperacillin and Tazobactam Injection

Category: Combination antibiotic (Beta-lactam / Beta-lactamase inhibitor)
Form: Injectable solution for intravenous (IV) or sometimes intramuscular (IM) use

Uses:

• Treatment of moderate to severe bacterial infections, including:

  • Intra-abdominal infections

  • Respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia)

  • Skin and soft tissue infections

  • Septicemia and bloodstream infections

  • Urinary tract infections

• Effective against beta-lactamase producing bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Mechanism of Action:

• Piperacillin: a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), causing cell lysis.

• Tazobactam: a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects piperacillin from enzymatic degradation by beta-lactamase producing bacteria.

• The combination extends the spectrum of activity to include resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Administration:

• Administered intravenously over 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on protocol.

• Dosage depends on infection severity, kidney function, and patient weight.

• Requires renal function monitoring as dose adjustment may be needed in renal impairment.

Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, possible antibiotic-associated colitis.

• Hematologic: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia (rare).

• Allergic reactions: rash, urticaria, anaphylaxis in penicillin-sensitive patients.

• Other: local reactions at injection site, elevated liver enzymes (rare).

Precautions:

• Assess allergy history, especially penicillin or cephalosporin allergy.

• Monitor renal and liver function during prolonged therapy.

• Adjust dose in renal impairment.

• Use cautiously in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis.

Summary:
Piperacillin and Tazobactam Injection is a broad-spectrum antibiotic combination used to treat severe bacterial infections. Piperacillin kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, while tazobactam protects it from beta-lactamase degradation, broadening the spectrum against resistant strains. Administered intravenously, it requires monitoring for allergic reactions, kidney function, and blood counts.