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.
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.
Pharmacist Tips:
- Report severe diarrhoea and ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking antidiarrheal medicines.
- If you experience symptoms of bleeding or severe skin rash, report to your doctor immediately.
Common dosing schedule:
Piperacillin + Tazobactam is commonly administered every 6-8 hours.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Piperacillin + Tazobactam may interact with:
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants
- Methotrexate
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
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.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Piperacillin+Tazobactam in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
- 4.5g (Injections)