Piperacillin + Tazobactam

What is Piperacillin + Tazobactam for?

Piperacillin + Tazobactam is a combination of antibiotics used for treating pneumonia and complicated bacterial infections involving the abdomen, urinary tract or skin and soft tissues. Piperacillin belongs to a class of medications called penicillins, which kills bacteria by interrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls. Tazobactam belongs to a class of medications called beta-lactamase inhibitors, which prevents bacteria from destroying Piperacillin. Piperacillin + Tazobactam does not work for virus or fungus infections.

How to use it?

Piperacillin + Tazobactam is injected through a needle into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your infection. The treatment duration is usually 5-14 days.

Pneumonia, complicated infections involving the urinary tract, skin or soft-tissues
Adult
4.5 g every 8 hours, increase frequency to every 6 hours if necessary.
Child 12-17 years
4.5 g every 8 hours, increase frequency to every 6 hours if necessary.
Child 1 month – 11 years
90 mg/kg body weight every 6-8 hours. Maximum 4.5 g per dose every 6 hours.
Neonates
90 mg/kg body weight every 8 hours.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections
Adult
4.5 g every 8 hours, increase frequency to every 6 hours if necessary.
Child 12-17 years
4.5 g every 8 hours, increase frequency to every 6 hours if necessary.
Child 2-11 years
112.5 mg/kg body weight every 8 hours. Maximum 4.5 g per dose.

Infections in neutropenic patients
Adult
4.5 g every 6 hours.
Child
90 mg/kg body weight every 6 hours. Maximum 4.5 g per dose.

What are the side effects of Piperacillin + Tazobactam?

Common side effects of Piperacillin + Tazobactam include anaemia, insomnia, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, and allergic skin reactions.

Who should not take Piperacillin + Tazobactam?

– People allergic to any component of the formulation.
– People who are allergic to beta-lactams, e.g. Penicillins and Cephalosporins.

Where to buy Piperacillin + Tazobactam in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Piperacillin + Tazobactam is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.