Tazocin

What is it?

An antibacterial preparation combining a 0-lactamase inhibitor (active against 8-lactamase-producing bacteria) and broad spectrum penicillin, in 2 strengths containing 2g and 4.5g of piperacillin and tazobactamn both as sodium salts and both as powder in vials.

Medical Uses

Infections of the lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, of the skin, intra-abdominal region, bacterial septicaemia. Also, bacterial infections in patients with neutropenia, along with an aminoglycoside, in children aged 2 to 12 years, appendicitis with rupture and peritonitis and/or abscess.

Dosage

Adults, usually 4.5g every 8 hours by intravenous infusion or slow intravenous injection. Patients with neutropenia, same dose and method every 6 hours, along with an aminoglycoside. Children, neutropenia, 90mg per kg of body weight by intravenous infusion or slow intravenous injection, along with aminoglycoside, every 6 hours. The maximum is 4.5g every 6 hours. Appendicitis with complications, aged 2 to 12 years, 112.5mg per kg of body weight by slow intravenous injection or infusion every 8 hours to a maximum of 4.5g every 8 hours.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney disorders, low potassium levels.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Non-depolarising muscle relaxants, drugs that affect blood coagulation or platelet function, methotrexate, probenecid.

Known Side Effects

Allergic reactions, low blood potassium levels, superinfection, gastrointestinal upset, skin reactions. In rare cases, kidney inflammation, kidney failure, cholestatic jaundice, haemolytic anaemia, leucopenia (fall in leucocytes-white blood cells), hepatitis. Treatment should be stopped immediately in event of pseudornembranous colitis.