Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection (Fresenius Kabi Canada)
What is Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection used for?
Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection is used by doctors to treat bacterial infections:
- of the appendix and lining of the abdomen (peritoneum)
- of the skin
- of the female reproductive system
- of the lungs and lower airways that are community- or hospital-acquired
Antibacterial drugs like Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Although you may feel better early in treatment, Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection (resistance). This means that Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection may not work for you in the future.
How does Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection work?
This product is an injectable antibiotic that contains piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium. Both ingredients work together to kill the bacteria and reduce the infection.
What are the ingredients in Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection?
Medicinal ingredients: Piperacillin (as piperacillin sodium) and Tazobactam (as tazobactam sodium)
Non-medicinal ingredients: None
Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection comes in the following dosage forms:
Lyophilized powder for injection available as:
- 13.5 g (12 g piperacillin as piperacillin sodium / 1.5 g tazobactam as tazobactam sodium)
- 40.5 g (36 g piperacillin as piperacillin sodium / 4.5 g tazobactam as tazobactam sodium)
Do not use Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in the drug
- you are allergic to any of the penicillins, cephalosporins, or beta-lactamase inhibitors
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- are allergic to Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection, penicillin, cephalosporins or beta-lactamase inhibitors
- have cystic fibrosis
- have a history of diarrhea or bowel problems due to an antibiotic
- have kidney, liver or gallbladder problems
- have bleeding problems
are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Piperacillin is excreted at low levels in human milk
- are over 65 years and have kidney, liver or heart problems
- are on a low sodium diet. This product contains sodium
- have low blood potassium levels
- are receiving cytotoxic therapy or methotrexate (for the treatment of cancer)
- are taking diuretics (drugs that increase urine production)
- are taking blood thinners (e.g. heparin) or any medicines that may affect blood clot formation
- are being treated for gonorrhea
Other Warnings:
Stop taking this product and contact your doctor right away if the following occurs:
- severe or lasting diarrhea (watery or bloody) with or without fever, stomach pain, or tenderness.
You may have Clostridium difficile colitis (bowel inflammation)
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection:
- Aminoglycosides (a type of antibiotic, e.g., tobramycin)
- Probenecid (a drug used to treat gout)
- Drugs used to thin blood (e.g., Heparin)
- Vecuronium (a muscle relaxant)
- Methotrexate (a drug used to treat cancer)
How to take Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection:
Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection will be given to you intravenously by your doctor.
Usual dose:
The usual dose of Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection for adults is 12 g / 1.5 g, given as 3 g / 0.375 g intravenously every six hours, as administered by the healthcare professional.
Overdose:
Symptoms of overdose include:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- neuromuscular excitability (increased sensitivity of muscles and nerves)
- convulsions (involuntary contractions of the muscles)
If you think you have taken too much Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
Talk to your doctor if you suspect you missed a dose.
What are possible side effects from using Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- nausea or indigestion
- vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- rash, itchy or red skin
- allergic reaction such as hives
a new infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to Piperacillin and Tazobactam for
Injection (superinfection)
- difficulty sleeping
- headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
- anxiety, sweating, agitation
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- abdominal pain or swelling
- fever
- pain
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional. Please also see Warnings and Precautions.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| COMMON | |||
| Chest pain | ✓ | ||
| Diarrhea | ✓ | ||
| LESS COMMON | |||
| Confusion | ✓ | ||
| Convulsions | ✓ | ||
| Hallucinations | ✓ | ||
| Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) | ✓ | ||
| RARE | |||
| Allergic reactions such as: chest tightness, dizziness, faintness, hives, itching, shortness of breath, severe skin rash, peeling or blistering skin, swollen face, lips, mouth or tongue, troubled breathing, wheezing | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection vials should be stored at controlled room temperature (between 15- 25°C).
For pharmacy bulk vial, discard unused portions.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); the manufacturer’s website (https://www.fresenius-kabi.ca), or by calling 1-877-821-7724.