Piperacillin-tazobactam
Piperacillin/tazobactam
Combination antibiotic medication
Piperacillin/tazobactam, sold under the brand name Tazocin among others, is a combination medication containing the antibiotic piperacillin and the β-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam.[4] The combination has activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.[4] It is used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, intra-abdominal infection, pneumonia, cellulitis, and sepsis.[4] It is given by injection into a vein.[5]
Common adverse effects include headache, trouble sleeping, rash, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.[4] Serious adverse effects include Clostridium difficile infection and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.[4] Those who are allergic to other β-lactam are more likely to be allergic to piperacillin/tazobactam.[4] Use in pregnancy or breastfeeding appears to generally be safe.[6] It usually results in bacterial death through blocking their ability to make a cell wall.[4]
Piperacillin/tazobactam was approved for medical use in the United States in 1993.[4] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7] It is available as a generic medication.[5]