Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PIPERACILLIN/TAZOBACTAM SODIUM - INJECTION

(pih-PER-uh-SIL-in/tay-zoh-BACK-tam)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zosyn

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic used to treat various infections.

How To Use

This medication is administered by slowly infusing it into a vein over thirty minutes. This is usually given every 6 to 8 hours at evenly spaced intervals around the clock to ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Use this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop using this without your doctor's approval even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, or loose stools may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. You may experience pain or irritation at the injection site. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a skin rash, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chest pain, anxiety, breathing trouble, swelling of the hands or feet. Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you dizzy. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, other illnesses, any allergies (especially to penicillin or other antibiotics). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: antibiotics, birth control pills, "blood thinners", blood pressure medication. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

Notes

When possible, the injection will be replaced by medication taken by mouth. Laboratory tests may be done periodically to monitor therapy if this medication is taken for a prolonged time.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store single-dose vials at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Do not freeze. Pharmacy bulk vials should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that time. Do not store in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.