Piperacillin And Tazobactam
Pronunciation: (pye-per-AH-sil-in / taz-oh-BAK-tam).
- Generic name
- Piperacillin and Tazobactam
- Brand names
- Piperacillin/Tazobactam, Piptaz, Piperacillin/Tazobactam Accord, Tazact, Piperacillin/Tazobactam Sandoz, Pipzo
- Drug class
- Antibiotic (Penicillin-class with β-lactamase inhibitor)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Piperacillin and Tazobactam is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Piperacillin and Tazobactam works
Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects piperacillin from enzymatic degradation by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, thereby extending its spectrum of activity. (2)
What Piperacillin and Tazobactam is used for
Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, skin and skin-structure infections, and community-acquired pneumonia
FDA-approved indications for Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam) also include postpartum endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease, in combination with an aminoglycoside where appropriate. (2)
Other serious bacterial infections
Also used more broadly for moderate-to-severe infections caused by susceptible bacteria, per the clinician-authored database. (2)
Before taking Piperacillin and Tazobactam
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to piperacillin, tazobactam, other penicillins, or cephalosporins. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Piperacillin and Tazobactam
- General Instructions: Piperacillin/Tazobactam is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion, usually in a hospital or clinical setting. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions precisely.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose: 3.375 g (3 g piperacillin/0.375 g tazobactam) IV every 6 hours. Severe infections may require 4.5 g every 6–8 hours. Dose and duration depend on infection type and severity.. Pediatric Dosing: Children (2 months and older): 80 mg/kg (piperacillin component) every 6–8 hours, not exceeding adult dose. Neonatal dosing requires specialist guidance.. Administration: Given as a slow IV infusion over 20–30 minutes. Do not mix with aminoglycosides in the same IV line.. When To Stop: Complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve. Only stop early if directed by your healthcare provider.. Storage: Store unopened vials at room temperature. Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored as per hospital protocol (usually refrigerated and used within 24 hours).
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider or nurse immediately. Do not double up doses; follow the schedule as soon as possible.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include muscle twitching, seizures, or confusion. Seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Diarrhea
Incidence: One of the most commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical trials
Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
Incidence: Commonly reported
Skin rash, itching (pruritus), or redness (erythema)
Incidence: Commonly reported; one of the leading reasons for treatment discontinuation
Headache or insomnia
Incidence: Commonly reported
Pain, redness, or irritation at the IV injection site (phlebitis)
Incidence: Commonly reported
Signs of a severe allergic reaction — swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread hives
Incidence: Uncommon but potentially life-threatening; seek immediate medical attention
Severe, blistering, or peeling skin rash (possible signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
Incidence: Rare but serious; seek immediate medical attention
Severe or persistent diarrhea, possibly with blood, which could indicate C. difficile-associated colitis
Incidence: Uncommon; seek medical attention promptly if this occurs, including up to several weeks after finishing treatment
Serious warnings
Serious allergic reactions can occur, especially in those with penicillin allergies — serious
Symptoms: Serious allergic reactions can occur, especially in those with penicillin allergies. May cause Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Dose adjustment is needed in kidney impairment. Monitor for signs of liver dysfunction. May interact with certain anticoagulants and other antibiotics.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to piperacillin, tazobactam, other penicillins, or cephalosporins. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, history of seizures, or those at risk for bleeding disorders. Monitor for signs of superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Piperacillin/Tazobactam may interact with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), methotrexate, aminoglycosides, and probenecid. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects or reduce effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Piperacillin and tazobactam are known to cross the placenta. The FDA label does not describe a specific fetal-risk finding that changes prescribing, but as with all medicines in pregnancy, use should be based on clinical need as judged by the treating clinician. (2)
Breastfeeding
The FDA label states piperacillin is excreted into human milk; tazobactam levels in human milk have not been studied, and there is no information on effects on a breastfed infant or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother's clinical need for this medicine and any potential effects on the breastfed child — a decision for the treating clinician and the patient together. (2)
Children
Frequency: Every 8 hours. Weight Based: Piperacillin 100 mg/kg/dose (maximum 4 g) and Tazobactam 12.5 mg/kg/dose (maximum 0.5 g) every 8 hours IV.. Max Daily Dose: Piperacillin 16 g and Tazobactam 2 g. Max Single Dose: Piperacillin 4 g and Tazobactam 0.5 g. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children under 2 months of age (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal: the FDA label requires a dose reduction once creatinine clearance falls below 40 mL/min (see the clinician-facing dosing table below); dialysis patients also need adjusted dosing plus a supplemental dose after each hemodialysis session. Hepatic: the FDA label states that dosage adjustment is NOT warranted for hepatic cirrhosis alone — pharmacokinetic changes are modest (roughly 25% longer piperacillin half-life, 18% longer tazobactam half-life) — but if renal function is also reduced, the renal-based adjustment still applies. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal: the FDA label requires a dose reduction once creatinine clearance falls below 40 mL/min (see the clinician-facing dosing table below); dialysis patients also need adjusted dosing plus a supplemental dose after each hemodialysis session. Hepatic: the FDA label states that dosage adjustment is NOT warranted for hepatic cirrhosis alone — pharmacokinetic changes are modest (roughly 25% longer piperacillin half-life, 18% longer tazobactam half-life) — but if renal function is also reduced, the renal-based adjustment still applies. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
This is a healthcare-professional-administered IV infusion; storage and preparation are handled by the treating facility. Per the FDA label, unopened vials are stored at 20-25°C (68-77°F); after reconstitution, solutions should generally be used promptly, with any unused portion discarded after 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours if refrigerated (2-8°C). A separate frozen liquid premix formulation exists and is thawed before use.
Study the drug class: Penicillins
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
United States (FDA)
Indication: Standard adult dosing, normal renal function
Dose summary: 3.375 g (piperacillin 3 g/tazobactam 0.375 g) IV every 6 hours, or 4.5 g every 6-8 hours for more severe infections, at a creatinine clearance above 40 mL/min.
Renal context: FDA-labeled dose reduction required once creatinine clearance (CrCl) falls below 40 mL/min: CrCl 20-40 mL/min — 2.25 g every 6 hours; CrCl below 20 mL/min — 2.25 g every 8 hours. Hemodialysis — 2.25 g every 12 hours (2.25 g every 8 hours for nosocomial pneumonia), plus an additional 0.75 g supplemental dose after each hemodialysis session, since the dialysis session removes a significant amount of drug. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
The FDA label states dosage adjustment of piperacillin/tazobactam is NOT warranted for hepatic cirrhosis alone. Pharmacokinetic changes with cirrhosis are modest (piperacillin half-life increases by roughly 25%, tazobactam by roughly 18%), which does not require a dose change from hepatic impairment by itself. If renal function is also impaired, the renal-based dose-adjustment schedule still applies regardless of hepatic status.
Frequently asked questions
What infections does Piperacillin/Tazobactam treat?
It treats moderate to severe infections such as pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and certain gynecological infections.
How is Piperacillin/Tazobactam given?
It is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional, usually in a hospital or clinic.
Can I take Piperacillin/Tazobactam if I am allergic to penicillin?
No. If you have a known allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins, you should not use this medication.
What should I do if I develop diarrhea while on this medication?
Contact your healthcare provider, especially if diarrhea is severe or persistent, as this may indicate a serious intestinal infection.
Are there any special precautions for people with kidney problems?
Yes. Dose adjustments are required in patients with kidney impairment. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function and adjust the dose as needed.
Can Piperacillin/Tazobactam be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It should only be used if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to this drug?
Signs include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; severe rash; or hives. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
What happens if I take too much Piperacillin/Tazobactam?
Taking too much Piperacillin/Tazobactam can lead to severe adverse effects such as seizures, encephalopathy, and electrolyte imbalances. Symptoms may include confusion, muscle twitching, or loss of consciousness. If an overdose is suspected, it is critical to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Prompt intervention is necessary to manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Piperacillin/Tazobactam?
While there is no direct contraindication for alcohol consumption with Piperacillin/Tazobactam, it is generally advisable to avoid alcohol during antibiotic treatment. Alcohol can exacerbate common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may also impair the body's ability to fight infection. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol intake.
Is Piperacillin/Tazobactam safe during pregnancy?
Current FDA labeling no longer uses the old pregnancy letter categories (this is not labeled "Category B"). Piperacillin and tazobactam are known to cross the placenta, and use in pregnancy should be based on clinical need as judged by your treating clinician. Always discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication while pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Piperacillin and Tazobactam?
Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects piperacillin from enzymatic degradation by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, thereby extending its spectrum of activity. (2)
What is the generic name of Piperacillin And Tazobactam?
The generic name is Piperacillin and Tazobactam. It is sold under brand names including Piperacillin/Tazobactam, Piptaz, Piperacillin/Tazobactam Accord, Tazact, Piperacillin/Tazobactam Sandoz, Pipzo.
What class of drug is Piperacillin and Tazobactam?
Piperacillin And Tazobactam is classed as: Antibiotic (Penicillin-class with β-lactamase inhibitor).
References
- Piperacillin/Tazobactam – Clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · International · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- ZOSYN (piperacillin and tazobactam) injection, powder, for solution – prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- PIPERACILLIN AND TAZOBACTAM INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SOLUTION [HOSPIRA, INC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Piperacillin and Tazobactam — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA090498)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Piperacillin and Tazobactam names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Zosyn in Galaxy Containers
- Zosyn