Maybe you're in the hospital with a serious infection, and your doctor says you need to start an intravenous (IV) medication. You might be given a medication called Piperacillin/Tazobactam. So, since this is a pretty strong medication, it's important for you to know exactly what it is. Let's talk about it briefly.
What is Piperacillin/Tazobactam?
Simply put, this is an antibiotic . That is, a medicine that kills bacterial infections. It is actually a combination of two drugs: Piperacillin and Tazobactam. Piperacillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family. Tazobactam works by breaking down the defense mechanisms that some tricky bacteria have against Piperacillin, helping Piperacillin to work properly.
The most important thing is that this only works for bacterial infections . This medicine will not cure viral diseases like the common cold and flu. Therefore, it is essential to use it only if prescribed by a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor must clearly explain the following information. Do not hide this, as it is very important for your safety.
- Allergies: Have you ever had an allergy to any medication such as Piperacillin, Tazobactam, other penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, or imipenem? Also, tell us about any other allergies you have to other foods, medications, or dyes.
- Kidney Disease: Do you have any kidney disease? If so, you should definitely tell us about it.
- Bleeding problems: Do you have any blood clotting or bleeding conditions?
- Diet: Are you on a salt restricted diet?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Are you pregnant? Are you trying to get pregnant? Or are you breastfeeding? Tell your doctor about this as well.
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is usually given as an injection into a vein . Most often, this is given to you by a healthcare professional (such as a nurse) in a hospital or clinic.
However, in some special cases, you may need to take this medicine at home. If so, you will be instructed on how to prepare it and inject it yourself. It is very important to take the medicine at the right time, in the right dose, as your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Be especially careful about this if you are taking medicine at home.
Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor for one.
- What if I miss a dose?
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as it is prescribed. If you are unable to go to the hospital on time, call your doctor immediately. If you are taking your medicine at home, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Never take a double dose.
- What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are and what to do if you experience any of them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe skin reactions | Red or purple blisters on the skin, peeling skin, sores inside the mouth, a rash with fever and body aches, swelling of the face, lips, and small bumps on the neck or armpits. |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, extreme tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, decreased or difficulty urinating, fever or chills. |
| 🙂 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort. |
| Other minor features | Headache, insomnia, pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. |
Other things to be careful about
- If your symptoms don't improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- If you develop severe diarrhea while taking this medication, meaning watery stools that last more than two days, do not take the medication from the pharmacy and tell your doctor immediately .
- If you are taking urine tests for diabetes, this medication may affect the results of some tests. So talk to your doctor about that as well.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Medicines that stop blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, heparin)
- Aspirin and similar medications
- Methotrexate
- Probenecid
- Birth control pills
- Drugs such as vecuronium, which are used for anesthesia during some surgeries
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Take-Home Message
- Piperacillin/Tazobactam is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have, kidney disease, and other medications you are taking.
- Do not skip doses of medication. Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe skin blistering, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have severe diarrhea, do not take medication from the pharmacy and call your doctor.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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