Class: Extended-spectrum Penicillins
Chemical Name: [2S-[2α,5α,6β(S*)]]-6-[[[[(4-Ethyl-2,3-dioxo-1-piperazinyl)carbonyl]amino]phenylacetyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid monosodium salt
Molecular Formula: C23H27N5O7S•NaC10H11N4NaO5S
CAS Number: 157044-21-8
Brands: Zosyn
Introduction
Antibacterial; β-lactam antibiotic; fixed combination of piperacillin (an extended-spectrum penicillin) and tazobactam (a β-lactamase inhibitor).
Uses for Piperacillin/Tazobactam
Gynecologic and Obstetric Infections
Treatment of postpartum endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) caused by susceptible β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli.
Not included in CDC recommendations for treatment of PID; if a penicillin used for empiric treatment of PID, CDC and others recommend a parenteral regimen that includes the fixed combination of ampicillin and sulbactam (ampicillin/sulbactam) in conjunction with doxycycline.
Intra-abdominal Infections
Treatment of appendicitis (complicated by rupture or abscess) and peritonitis caused by susceptible β-lactamase-producing E. coli, Bacteroides fragilis, B. ovatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, or B. vulgatus.
Has been used for treatment of various intra-abdominal infections; recommended as one of several options for initial empiric treatment of high-risk or severe community-acquired extrabiliary intra-abdominal infections (e.g., in patients with advanced age, immunocompromise, severe physiologic disturbance), community-acquired biliary tract infections (e.g., acute cholecystitis), and complicated healthcare-associated intra-abdominal infections.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Treatment of moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by susceptible β-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae. Also used for treatment of CAP caused by susceptible Enterobacteriaceae† or anaerobic bacteria†.
Recommended as one of several options for empiric treatment of CAP in hospitalized patients requiring treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). If Pseudomonas aeruginosa known or suspected to be involved, use in conjunction with a fluoroquinolone with antipseudomonal activity (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) with or without an aminoglycoside or in conjunction with an aminoglycoside and azithromycin. Factors that increase risk of Ps. aeruginosa infection in CAP patients include severe CAP requiring treatment in an ICU, structural lung disease (e.g., bronchiectasis), repeated COPD exacerbations, alcoholism, chronic corticosteroid therapy, and frequent anti-infective therapy.
Treatment of moderate to severe nosocomial pneumonia caused by susceptible β-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus or susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii, H. influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Ps. aeruginosa. If Ps. aeruginosa involved, use in conjunction with an aminoglycoside or a fluoroquinolone with antipseudomonal activity (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) recommended.
One of several options recommended for initial empiric treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) not associated with mechanical ventilation and initial empiric treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
In patients with HAP not at high risk of mortality, can consider use of piperacillin/
In patients with clinically suspected VAP, can consider use of piperacillin/
Septicemia
Treatment of septicemia†. Recommended as one of several options for initial empiric treatment of sepsis and bacteremia.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Treatment of uncomplicated and complicated skin and skin structure infections (including cellulitis, cutaneous abscess, ischemic/diabetic foot infections) caused by susceptible β-lactamase-producing S. aureus. Recommended as a possible option for empiric monotherapy of complicated skin and skin structure infections that could be polymicrobial and unlikely to involve MRSA; do not use alone in infections that may be caused by MRSA.
Although fixed combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate (amoxicillin/clavulanate) usually drug of choice, piperacillin/
Possible option for empiric treatment of severe cellulitis or treatment of clostridial myonecrosis† (gas gangrene); used in conjunction with vancomycin.
Possible option for empiric treatment of necrotizing fasciitis†; used in conjunction with vancomycin or linezolid.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Treatment of UTIs† in hospitalized patients; used with or without an aminoglycoside.
Empiric Therapy in Febrile Neutropenic Patients
Has been used alone (monotherapy) or in conjunction with other anti-infectives (e.g., aminoglycosides) for empiric anti-infective therapy in febrile neutropenic patients†.
Recommended as one of several options for initial outpatient management of febrile neutropenia in adults receiving treatment for malignancy.
Perioperative Prophylaxis
Has been used for perioperative prophylaxis† to decrease postoperative infections in patients undergoing various urologic procedures (e.g., prostate biopsy), gastroduodenal procedures (e.g., pancreatic duodenectomy), or liver transplantation. Not generally recommended for perioperative prophylaxis.
Piperacillin/Tazobactam Dosage and Administration
Administration
Administer by IV infusion.
Usually administered by intermittent IV infusion; has been administered by continuous IV infusion†.
Do not give by rapid IV injection.
IV Infusion
For solution compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.
Do not admix with other drugs (e.g., in a syringe or infusion bottle); do not add to blood products or albumin hydrolysates.
If concomitant use of an aminoglycoside indicated (e.g., treatment of nosocomial pneumonia), reconstitute, dilute, and administer piperacillin/
Piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn) and generic preparations of piperacillin/
Lactated Ringer’s injection is compatible for coadministration via Y-site infusion only with solutions prepared using piperacillin/sodium (Zosyn) formulated with EDTA; lactated Ringer's injection is incompatible with and cannot be used for Y-site infusion with solutions prepared using piperacillin/
Reconstitution and Dilution
Single-dose vials of piperacillin/
Single-dose ADD-Vantage vials of piperacillin/
Pharmacy bulk piperacillin/
Single-dose (frozen) premixed injections of piperacillin/
Rate of Administration
Administer by IV infusion over 30 minutes.
Has been administered by IV infusion over 3–4 hours† and by continuous IV infusion†. Some clinicians suggest 4-hour intermittent IV infusions or continuous IV infusion may be beneficial in certain clinical situations (e.g., critically ill patients, pathogen with high piperacillin/
Concomitant Use with Aminoglycosides
Because piperacillin/
In certain situations when coadministration of piperacillin/
Based on amikacin dosage of 10–15 mg/kg daily given in 2 divided doses or gentamicin dosage of 3–5 mg/kg daily given in 3 divided doses; higher dosage or once-daily dosage has not been evaluated for Y-site compatibility.
Aminoglycoside |
Piperacillin/tazobactam Dose (g) |
Piperacillin/tazobactam Diluent (mL) |
Aminoglycoside Concentration Range (mg/mL) |
Acceptable Diluents |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amikacin |
2.25 |
50 |
1.75–7.5 |
0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection |
3.375 |
100 |
|||
4.5 |
150 |
|||
Gentamicin |
2.25 |
50 |
0.7–3.32 |
0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection |
3.375 |
100 |
|||
4.5 |
150 |
Based on amikacin dosage of 10–15 mg/kg daily given in 2 divided doses or gentamicin dosage of 3–5 mg/kg daily given in 3 divided doses; higher dosage or once-daily dosage has not been evaluated for Y-site compatibility.
Frozen premixed Zosyn injections in Galaxy containers that contain 3.375 g/50 mL are not compatible with gentamicin and should not be used for Y-site coadministration with gentamicin.
Aminoglycoside |
Piperacillin/tazobactam Dose (g) |
Aminoglycoside Concentration Range (mg/mL) |
Acceptable Diluents |
---|---|---|---|
Amikacin |
2.25, 3.375, or 4.5 |
1.75–7.5 |
0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection |
Gentamicin |
2.25 or 4.5 |
0.7–3.32 |
0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection |
Dosage
Available as fixed combination of piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium (piperacillin/
Dosage of piperacillin/
Pediatric Patients
General Neonatal Dosage†
IV
Neonates ≤28 days of age†: AAP recommends dosage based on postmenstrual age (i.e., gestational age plus chronologic age). AAP recommends 100 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 8 hours in those with postmenstrual age ≤30 weeks and 80 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 6 hours in those with postmenstrual age >30 weeks.
Neonates weighing <1 kg†: Some clinicians recommend 100 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 12 hours in those ≤14 days of age and 100 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 8 hours in those 15–28 days of age.
Neonates weighing ≥1 kg†: Some clinicians recommend 100 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 12 hours in those ≤7 days of age and 100 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 8 hours in those 8–28 days of age.
Severe infections in neonates and infants <2 months of age†: Some clinicians recommend 80 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 6 hours; others recommend 80 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 4 hours. Some suggest shortening dosing interval to every 6 hours and prolonging duration of IV infusion to 4 hours to maximize pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of the drug.
General Pediatric Dosage
IV
Pediatric patients beyond neonatal period: AAP recommends 240–300 mg/kg (of piperacillin) daily in 3 or 4 divided doses. These experts state 400–600 mg/kg (of piperacillin) daily in 6 divided doses may be appropriate in some patients with cystic fibrosis.
Severe infections in children: Some clinicians suggest 80 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 6–8 hours in those 2–9 months of age and 100 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 6–8 hours in those >9 months of age.
Intra-abdominal Infections
Appendicitis and/or Peritonitis
IVChildren 2–9 months of age: 80 mg/kg (of piperacillin) and 10 mg/kg (of tazobactam) every 8 hours.
Children ≥9 months of age weighing ≤40 kg with normal renal function: 100 mg/kg (of piperacillin) and 12.5 mg/kg (of tazobactam) every 8 hours.
Children weighing >40 kg with normal renal function: 3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours.
Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections
IVPediatric patients: Some clinicians recommend 200–300 mg/kg (of piperacillin) daily in divided doses every 6–8 hours.
Some clinicians state usual duration of treatment is 4–7 days (unless difficult to achieve adequate source control); longer duration not associated with improved outcomes.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Necrotizing Infections of Skin, Fascia, and Muscle†
IVPediatric patients: Some clinicians recommend 60–75 mg/kg (of piperacillin) every 6 hours in conjunction with vancomycin.
Adults
General Adult Dosage
IV
3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours for 7–10 days.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Infections
Postpartum Endometritis or PID
IV3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours for 7–10 days.
Intra-abdominal Infections
Appendicitis and/or Peritonitis
IV3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours for 7–10 days.
Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections
IVSome clinicians recommend 3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours. If Ps. aeruginosa identified, these clinicians recommend 3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 4 hours or 4.5 g (4 g of piperacillin and 0.5 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours.
Some clinicians state usual duration of treatment is 4–7 days (unless difficult to achieve adequate source control); longer duration not associated with improved outcomes.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Community-acquired Pneumonia
IV3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours for 7–10 days.
Nosocomial Pneumonia
IVInitial empiric treatment of nosocomial pneumonia: Manufacturer recommends 4.5 g (4 g of piperacillin and 0.5 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours for 7–14 days; used in conjunction with an aminoglycoside. If Ps. aeruginosa identified, continue concomitant aminoglycoside for full duration of treatment.
Initial empiric treatment of HAP or VAP: Some clinicians recommend 4.5 g (4 g of piperacillin and 0.5 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours used alone or in conjunction with other anti-infectives (see Respiratory Tract Infections under Uses). These experts state usual duration of treatment is 7 days; a longer or shorter duration may be indicated depending on clinical response.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Uncomplicated and Complicated Infections
IV3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours for 7–10 days.
Incisional Surgical Site Infections†
IVSome clinicians recommended 3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours or 4.5 g (4 g of piperacillin and 0.5 g of tazobactam) every 8 hours.
Infected Human or Animal Bite Wounds†
IVSome clinicians recommend 3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6–8 hours.
Necrotizing Infections of Skin, Fascia, and Muscle†
IVSome clinicians recommend 3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 6–8 hours in conjunction with vancomycin.
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
IV
Maximum 16 g (of piperacillin) daily; AAP states a maximum of 24 g (of piperacillin) daily may be appropriate in some cystic fibrosis patients.
Adults
IV
Maximum 3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam) every 4 hours or 4.5 g (4 g of piperacillin and 0.5 g of tazobactam) every 6 hours.
Maximum 18 g (16 g of piperacillin and 2 g of tazobactam) daily recommended by manufacturer.
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Dosage adjustments not needed. (See Hepatic Impairment under Cautions.)
Renal Impairment
Adjust dosage in adults with Clcr ≤40 mL/minute, including those undergoing hemodialysis or CAPD. (See Table 3.)
Dosage recommendations not available for pediatric patients with renal impairment.
Hemodialysis removes approximately 30–40% of a dose of piperacillin/
Supplemental doses of piperacillin/
Clcr (mL/min) |
Daily Dosage (Except Nosocomial Pneumonia) |
Daily Dosage (Nosocomial Pneumonia) |
---|---|---|
20–40 |
2.25 g every 6 hours |
3.375 g every 6 hours |
<20 |
2.25 g every 8 hours |
2.25 g every 6 hours |
Hemodialysis Patients |
2.25 g every 12 hours; also give 0.75 g after each hemodialysis session |
2.25 g every 8 hours; also give 0.75 g after each hemodialysis session |
CAPD Patients |
2.25 g every 12 hours |
2.25 g every 8 hours |
Geriatric Patients
Select dosage with caution, usually starting at low end of dosage range, because of age-related decreases in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function. (see Geriatric Use under Cautions.)
Cautions for Piperacillin/Tazobactam
Contraindications
-
Hypersensitivity to any penicillin, cephalosporin, or β-lactamase inhibitor.
Warnings/Precautions
Sensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions, reported with piperacillin/
Prior to initiation of piperacillin/
If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue immediately and institute appropriate therapy as indicated.
Dermatologic Effects
Rash (maculopapular, bullous, urticarial) and pruritus reported.
Postmarketing reports of severe cutaneous adverse effects, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and exfoliative dermatitis.
If rash develops, monitor closely; discontinue piperacillin/
Hematologic Effects
Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased platelet count, transient eosinophilia, transient leukopenia, and neutropenia reported in patients receiving piperacillin/
Positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs’) test results, prolonged PT, and prolonged PTT reported.
Bleeding manifestation reported with some β-lactam antibiotics, including piperacillin. These reactions have sometimes been associated with abnormal coagulation tests (e.g., clotting time, platelet aggregation, PT) and are more likely to occur in patients with renal failure.
Periodically evaluate hematologic function in patients receiving piperacillin/
If bleeding manifestations occur, discontinue piperacillin/
Nervous System Effects
Headache and insomnia reported in patients receiving piperacillin/
Neuromuscular excitability or seizures reported with some penicillins when higher than recommended dosage used (especially in patients with renal failure).
Nephrotoxicity
Increased Scr and BUN reported in patients receiving piperacillin/
When used in critically ill patients, piperacillin/
Consider alternatives to piperacillin/
Electrolyte Effects
Changes in serum electrolytes, including increased and decreased serum sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations, reported in patients receiving piperacillin/
Periodically determine electrolyte concentrations when piperacillin/
Consider sodium content of piperacillin/
C. difficile-associated Diarrhea and Colitis (CDAD)
Treatment with anti-infectives alters normal colon flora and may permit overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile). C. difficile infection and C. difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis (CDAD; also known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis or pseudomembranous colitis) reported with nearly all anti-infectives, including piperacillin/
Consider CDAD if diarrhea develops during or after therapy and manage accordingly. Obtain careful medical history since CDAD may occur as late as ≥2 months after anti-infective therapy discontinued.
If CDAD suspected or confirmed, discontinue anti-infectives not directed against C. difficile as soon as possible. Initiate appropriate anti-infective therapy directed against C. difficile (e.g., vancomycin, fidaxomicin, metronidazole), supportive therapy (e.g., fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation), and surgical evaluation as clinically indicated.
Selection and Use of Anti-infectives
To reduce development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of piperacillin/
When selecting or modifying anti-infective therapy, use results of culture and in vitro susceptibility testing. In the absence of such data, consider local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns when selecting anti-infectives for empiric therapy.
Information on test methods and quality control standards for in vitro susceptibility testing of antibacterial agents and specific interpretive criteria for such testing recognized by FDA is available at [Web].
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Available human data regarding use of piperacillin/
Piperacillin and tazobactam both cross the placenta.
Lactation
Piperacillin distributed into milk; not known whether tazobactam distributed into milk. Effects of the drugs on breast-fed infants or milk production unknown.
Consider developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding along with mother’s clinical need for piperacillin/
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients <2 months of age.
Use for treatment of appendicitis and/or peritonitis in pediatric patients ≥2 months of age is supported by evidence from well-controlled studies and pharmacokinetic studies in adults and pediatric patients.
Adverse effects reported in pediatric patients with severe intra-abdominal infections (including appendicitis and/or peritonitis) are similar to those reported in adults.
Geriatric Use
Geriatric patients >65 years of age are not at increased risk of developing adverse effects to piperacillin/
Substantially eliminated by kidneys; risk of toxicity may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Assess renal function periodically since geriatric patients are more likely to have decreased renal function.
Select dosage with caution (usually starting at low end of dosage range) because of age-related decreases in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and concomitant disease and drug therapy.
Consider sodium content of piperacillin/sodium when used in geriatric patients. Geriatric patients may respond to salt loading with blunted natriuresis; this may be clinically important patients with diseases such as heart failure.
Piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn) contains 65 mg (2.84 mEq) of sodium per gram of piperacillin; patients receive 780–1040 mg (34.1–45.5 mEq) of sodium daily with usually recommended dosages of this preparation. Sodium content of commercially available generic preparations of piperacillin/
Hepatic Impairment
Serum half-lives of piperacillin and tazobactam are prolonged in patients with hepatic cirrhosis; not considered clinically important. Dosage adjustments not required.
Renal Impairment
Adjust dosage in adults with Clcr ≤40 mL/minute, including those undergoing hemodialysis or CAPD. Dosage recommendations not available for pediatric patients with impaired renal function. (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)
Common Adverse Effects
GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, constipation), headache, insomnia, dermatologic effects.
Interactions for Piperacillin/Tazobactam
Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests
Drug or Test |
Interaction |
Comments |
---|---|---|
Aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin) |
Antibacterial activities of piperacillin and aminoglycosides synergistic in vitro against some strains of Enterobacteriaceae and Ps. aeruginosa Piperacillin/tazobactam and aminoglycosides are physically and/or chemically incompatible in vitro Amikacin and gentamicin: Compatible in vitro with piperacillin/ Tobramycin: Not compatible in vitro with piperacillin/ Piperacillin can inactivate aminoglycosides in vivo; decreased aminoglycoside concentrations and half-lives reported when used in patients receiving piperacillin, especially with tobramycin or if high piperacillin dosage used or patient has renal impairment Tobramycin: Sequential administration with piperacillin/ |
Amikacin, gentamicin: If coadministration with piperacillin/ Tobramycin: Do not coadminister with piperacillin/ If an aminoglycoside used concomitantly with piperacillin/ |
Anticoagulants (oral anticoagulants, heparin) |
Monitor coagulation parameters more frequently if used concomitantly with oral anticoagulants, high doses of heparin, or other drugs that affect blood coagulation or thrombocyte function |
|
Methotrexate |
Possible decreased renal clearance of methotrexate |
Determine serum methotrexate concentrations frequently and monitor for signs and symptoms of methotrexate toxicity |
Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., vecuronium) |
Vecuronium: Prolonged neuromuscular blockade reported when used with piperacillin; could occur with piperacillin/ Other neuromuscular blocking agents: Because of similar mechanism of action, possibility of prolonged neuromuscular blockade if used with piperacillin/ |
Vecuronium or other neuromuscular blocking agents: Monitor for adverse effects related to neuromuscular blockade |
Probenecid |
Prolonged piperacillin and tazobactam half-lives |
Concomitant use not recommended unless benefits outweigh risks |
Tests for Aspergillus |
Platelia Aspergillus EIA test: Possible false-positive results |
Platelia Aspergillus EIA test: Use caution when interpreting such tests and confirm diagnosis of Aspergillus infection using other diagnostic methods |
Tests for glucose |
Possible false-positive reactions in urine glucose tests using copper reduction (e.g., Clinitest) |
Use glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions |
Vancomycin |
Concomitant use in critically ill patients: Increased incidence of acute kidney injury compared with use of vancomycin alone Vancomycin and some piperacillin/ No evidence of pharmacokinetic interactions |
Monitor renal function; administer separately |
Piperacillin/Tazobactam Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Following IV infusion of piperacillin/
Piperacillin plasma concentrations following IV infusion of piperacillin/
Distribution
Extent
Both piperacillin and tazobactam widely distributed into tissues and body fluids, including intestinal mucosa, gallbladder, female reproductive tissues (uterus, ovary, fallopian tube), lung, skin, bone, interstitial fluid, synovial fluid, and bile.
Only low concentrations of piperacillin and tazobactam distributed into CSF in patients with uninflamed meninges.
Both piperacillin and tazobactam cross the placenta.
Piperacillin distributed into milk; not known whether tazobactam distributed into milk.
Plasma Protein Binding
Both piperacillin and tazobactam approximately 30% bound to plasma proteins.
Elimination
Metabolism
Piperacillin metabolized to a minor microbiologically active desethyl metabolite and an inactive metabolite.
Tazobactam metabolized to a single metabolite that lacks pharmacologic and antibacterial activity.
Elimination Route
Piperacillin, tazobactam, and their metabolites eliminated principally in urine by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion; also excreted in bile.
Following IV infusion, 68% of piperacillin dose and 80% of tazobactam dose eliminated unchanged in urine.
Half-life
Plasma half-lives of piperacillin and tazobactam range from 0.7–1.2 hours in healthy adults.
Special Populations
Patients with cirrhosis: Half-life of piperacillin and tazobactam increased by approximately 25 and 18%, respectively, compared with patients with normal hepatic function.
Patients with renal impairment: Half-lives of piperacillin and tazobactam increase with decreasing Clcr. In those with Clcr <20 mL/minute, half-life of piperacillin is twofold higher and half-life of tazobactam is fourfold higher compared with patients with normal renal function.
Pediatric patients: Clearance of piperacillin and tazobactam in children 9 months to 12 years of age is comparable to that reported in adults; piperacillin clearance in children 2–9 months of age is estimated to be 80% of that value. Clearance is slower in patients <2 months of age compared to older children.
Geriatric adults 65–80 years of age: Mean half-lives of piperacillin and tazobactam increased by 32 and 55%, respectively, compared with adults 18–35 years of age; possibly the result of age-related changes in Clcr.
Hemodialysis patients: Approximately 31 and 39% of piperacillin and tazobactam doses, respectively, removed by hemodialysis; an additional 5% of tazobactam dose removed as the tazobactam metabolite.
Peritoneal dialysis patients: Approximately 6 and 21% of piperacillin and tazobactam doses, respectively, removed; up to 16% of tazobactam dose removed as the tazobactam metabolite.
Stability
Storage
Parenteral
Powder for IV Infusion
Single-dose vials (Zosyn, generic): 20–25°C. Following reconstitution, use immediately; discard any unused portions after 24 hours if stored at 20–25°C or after 48 hours if refrigerated at 2–8°C.
Single-dose ADD-Vantage vials (generic): 20–25°C. Reconstituted solutions prepared using 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose as directed by manufacturer are stable for 24 hours at room temperature; do not refrigerate or freeze.
Bulk vials or bottles (Zosyn or generic): 20–25°C. Following reconstitution, use promptly; discard any unused portions after 24 hours if stored at 20–25°C or after 48 hours if refrigerated at 2–8°C. Do not freeze.
Injection (Frozen) for IV Infusion
−20° C or lower. Thawed solutions are stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20–25°C) or 14 days at 2–8°C.
Do not refreeze after thawing.
Compatibility
For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.
Solution Compatibility
Sterile water for injection: If used for dilution, maximum recommended volume is 50 mL.
Lactated Ringer’s injection: Compatible only with piperacillin/
Chemically unstable in solutions containing only sodium bicarbonate and solutions that alter pH.
Compatible |
---|
Dextran 6% in sodium chloride |
Dextrose 5% |
Sodium chloride 0.9% |
Drug Compatibility
Compatible |
---|
Acetaminophen |
Aminophylline |
Anidulafungin |
Aztreonam |
Bivalirudin |
Bleomycin sulfate |
Bumetanide |
Buprenorphine HCl |
Butorphanol tartrate |
Calcium gluconate |
Cangrelor tetrasodium |
Carboplatin |
Carmustine |
Ceftolozane sulfate–tazobactam sodium |
Clindamycin phosphate |
Cloxacillin sodium |
Co-trimoxazole |
Cyclophosphamide |
Cytarabine |
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate |
Dexmedetomidine HCl |
Diphenhydramine HCl |
Docetaxel |
Dopamine HCl |
Enalaprilat |
Etoposide |
Etoposide phosphate |
Fenoldopam mesylate |
Floxuridine |
Fluconazole |
Fludarabine phosphate |
Fluorouracil |
Furosemide |
Gallium nitrate |
Granisetron HCl |
Heparin sodium |
Hetastarch in lactated electrolyte injection (Hextend) |
Hydrocortisone sodium phosphate |
Hydrocortisone sodium succinate |
Hydromorphone HCl |
Ifosfamide |
Lansoprazole |
Leucovorin calcium |
Linezolid |
Lorazepam |
Magnesium sulfate |
Mannitol |
Meperidine HCl |
Meropenem–vaborbactam |
Mesna |
Methotrexate sodium |
Methylprednisolone sodium succinate |
Metoclopramide HCl |
Metronidazole |
Milrinone lactate |
Morphine sulfate |
Ondansetron HCl |
Potassium chloride |
Ranitidine HCl |
Remifentanil HCl |
Sargramostim |
Sodium bicarbonate |
Tedizolid phosphate |
Telavancin HCl |
Thiotepa |
Tigecycline |
Vasopressin |
Vinblastine sulfate |
Vincristine sulfate |
Zidovudine |
Incompatible |
Acyclovir sodium |
Amiodarone HCl |
Amphotericin B |
Azithromycin |
Caspofungin acetate |
Chlorpromazine HCl |
Cisplatin |
Dacarbazine |
Daunorubicin HCl |
Dobutamine HCl |
Doxorubicin HCl |
Doxorubicin HCl liposome injection |
Doxycycline hyclate |
Droperidol |
Famotidine |
Ganciclovir sodium |
Gemcitabine HCl |
Haloperidol lactate |
Hydroxyzine HCl |
Idarubicin HCl |
Mitomycin |
Mitoxantrone HCl |
Nalbuphine HCl |
Prochlorperazine edisylate |
Promethazine HCl |
Quinupristin–dalfopristin |
Streptozocin |
Tobramycin sulfate |
Variable |
Amikacin sulfate (see Concomitant Use with Aminoglycosides under Dosage and Administration) |
Cisatracurium besylate |
Gentamicin sulfate (see Concomitant Use with Aminoglycosides under Dosage and Administration) |
Isavuconazonium sulfate |
Vancomycin HCl |
Actions and Spectrum
-
Piperacillin/tazobactam is a fixed combination of piperacillin (an extended-spectrum penicillin) and tazobactam (a β-lactamase inhibitor).
-
Piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn) and generic preparations of piperacillin/
tazobactam commercially available in US are not identical. Zosyn is formulated with EDTA and sodium citrate; generic preparations do not contain EDTA and sodium citrate. (See IV Infusion under Dosage and Administration.) -
Like other penicillins, antibacterial activity of piperacillin results from inhibition of bacterial septum formation and cell wall synthesis in susceptible bacteria and is mediated by penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
-
Tazobactam is a penicillanic acid sulfone β-lactamase inhibitor structurally similar to sulbactam. Because tazobactam inactivates certain β-lactamases, concomitant use with piperacillin expands piperacillin’s spectrum of activity against many β-lactamase-producing bacteria.
-
Piperacillin/tazobactam usually is bactericidal in action.
-
Spectrum of activity of piperacillin/
tazobactam includes many gram-positive and -negative aerobes and some anaerobes. Inactive against Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. -
Gram-positive aerobes: Active in vitro and in clinical infections against S. aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only). Also active in vitro against S. epidermidis (methicillin-susceptible strains only), Streptococcus pyogenes (group A β-hemolytic streptococci; GAS), S. agalactiae (group B streptococci; GBS), S. pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), viridans streptococci, and Enterococcus faecalis (ampicillin- or penicillin-susceptible strains only). Not active against MRSA or methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis.
-
Gram-negative aerobes: Active in vitro and in clinical infections against A. baumannii, E. coli, H. influenzae (except β-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant strains; BLNAR), K. pneumoniae, and Ps. aeruginosa. Also active in vitro against Citrobacter koseri, Enterobacter, Moraxella catarrhalis, Morganella morganii, Neisseria, Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, Providencia stuartii, P. rettgeri, Salmonella, Shigella, and Serratia marcescens.
-
Anaerobes: Active in vitro and in clinical infections against B. fragilis, B. ovatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. vulgatus. Also active in vitro against Bacillus, B. distasonis, Clostridium perfringens, Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Prevotella melaninogenica.
-
Resistance or reduced susceptibility to piperacillin/
tazobactam can occur.
Advice to Patients
-
Advise patients that antibacterials (including piperacillin/
tazobactam) should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not used to treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). -
Importance of completing full course of therapy, even if feeling better after a few days.
-
Advise patients that skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease effectiveness and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable with piperacillin/
tazobactam or other antibacterials in the future. -
Advise patients that serious hypersensitivity reactions, including serious allergic cutaneous reactions, that require immediate treatment could occur.
-
Importance of informing clinicians of prior hypersensitivity reactions to piperacillin/
tazobactam, other β-lactams (including cephalosporins), or other allergens. Importance of discontinuing the drug and informing clinician if an allergic reaction occurs. -
Advise patients that diarrhea is a common problem caused by anti-infectives and usually ends when the drug is discontinued. Importance of contacting a clinician if watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) occur during or as late as ≥2 months after the last dose.
-
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.
-
Importance of women informing clinician if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.
-
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
For injection, for IV infusion |
2.25 g (2 g of piperacillin and 0.25 g of tazobactam)* |
Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for Injection |
|
Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for Injection ADD-Vantage |
Hospira |
|||
Zosyn |
Wyeth |
|||
3.375 g (3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam)* |
Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for Injection |
|||
Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for Injection ADD-Vantage |
Hospira |
|||
Zosyn |
Wyeth |
|||
4.5 g (4 g of piperacillin and 0.5 g of tazobactam)* |
Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for Injection |
|||
Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for Injection ADD-Vantage |
Hospira |
|||
Zosyn |
Wyeth |
|||
40.5 g (36 g of piperacillin and 4.5 g of tazobactam) pharmacy bulk package* |
Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for Injection |
|||
Zosyn |
Wyeth |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection (frozen), for IV infusion |
2.25 g (40 mg of piperacillin per mL [2 g] and 5 mg of tazobactam) per mL [0.25 g]) in 2% Dextrose |
Zosyn Iso-osmotic in Dextrose Injection (Galaxy) |
Wyeth |
3.375 g (60 mg of piperacillin per mL [3 g] and 7.5 mg of tazobactam per mL [0.375 g]) in 0.7% Dextrose |
Zosyn Iso-osmotic in Dextrose Injection (Galaxy) |
Wyeth |
||
4.5 g (40 mg of piperacillin per mL [4 g] and 5 mg of tazobactam per mL [0.5 g]) in 2% Dextrose |
Zosyn Iso-osmotic in Dextrose Injection (Galaxy) |
Wyeth |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2022, Selected Revisions September 2, 2019. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
More about piperacillin / tazobactam
- Side effects
- Drug interactions
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Reviews (8)
- Pricing & coupons
- En español
- Drug class: beta-lactamase inhibitors