Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam)
Piperacillin and tazobactam is a combination penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat many bacterial infections, such as stomach infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and severe uterine infections.
This medicine is sometimes given together with other antibiotics.
Piperacillin and tazobactam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam) used for?
- Endocarditis
- Intraabdominal Infection
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Peritonitis
- Pneumonia
- Pyelonephritis
- Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
- Appendicitis
- Bacterial Infection
- Skin and Structure Infection
- Surgical Prophylaxis
- Endometritis
- Nosocomial Pneumonia
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam)?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to piperacillin and tazobactam or similar medicines such as:
- amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), ampicillin, penicillin, and others;
- cefuroxime, cefdinir, cefepime, ceftriaxone, cephalexin, and others; or
- clavulanate (clavulanic acid), tazobactam, sulbactam, avibactam, vaborbactam relebactam, and others.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- an electrolyte imbalance such as low levels of potassium in your blood;
- cystic fibrosis;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- you have a planned surgery or procedure where anesthesia may be used;
- any type of allergy;
- if you are on a low-salt diet; or
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- unusual bleeding, easy bruising, fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, swollen lymph nodes, rash;
- a seizure;
- low blood cell counts;
- swelling or tenderness in the stomach area;
- kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
- low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea, constipation;
- nausea;
- headache; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam)?
Use Zosyn (Piperacillin And Tazobactam) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Piperacillin and tazobactam is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself. Your doctor will determine the right treatment schedule for you.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.
Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Piperacillin and tazobactam will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).
Depending on the severity of the infection, piperacillin and tazobactam is usually given for as long as needed until lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood and kidney function may need to be tested often.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor or laboratory staff who treats you that you are using piperacillin and tazobactam.
Follow all storage instructions provided with piperacillin and tazobactam. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.