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 IN D5W - FROZEN PIGGYBACK - 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 must be thawed before use. It may be thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It must not be force-thawed by dipping it into hot water, nor by microwaving. This medication must be slowly injected into a vein over not less than 30 minutes. It is usually given every 6 to 8 hours, or use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals. 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 relapse of the infection.

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: vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, anxiety. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, cystic fibrosis, other illnesses, allergies (especially to penicillin or other antibiotics). 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). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before you breast feed.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you use, including: other antibiotics, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), 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 oral medication. If this medication is used for an extended period of time, laboratory tests may be done periodically to monitor your progress.

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 the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store in the freezer at or below -4 degrees F (-20 degrees C). After thawing, the medication is good for 14 days when refrigerated at or below 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) or for 24 hours at room temperature. Once thawed, the solution must not be re-frozen. (See HOW TO USE section for thawing instructions.)