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In this Article

• What is piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?
• What are the possible side effects of piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?
• What is the most important information I should know about piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?
• How should I use piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zosyn)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zosyn)?
• What should I avoid while using piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?
• What other drugs will affect piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to piperacillin and tazobactam or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as:

• amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin);
• ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen);
• carbenicillin (Geocillin);
• dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen);
• oxacillin (Bactocill);
• ticarcillin (Ticar, Timentin); or
• penicillin (Beepen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-V, Pen-Vee K, Pfizerpen, V-Cillin K, Veetids, and others).

Before using piperacillin and tazobactam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, and others), or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• an electrolyte imbalance such as low levels of potassium in your blood;
• cystic fibrosis;
• a history of any type of allergy; or
• if you are on a salt-restricted diet.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use piperacillin and tazobactam.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Piperacillin and tazobactam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Piperacillin and tazobactam is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Piperacillin and tazobactam must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before injecting it. Shake the medication and diluent until well dissolved.

Do not mix the medicine or draw your dose into a syringe or IV bag until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Piperacillin and tazobactam is usually given for 7 to 10 days, depending on the infection being treated. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Piperacillin and tazobactam will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using piperacillin and tazobactam.

Store unmixed piperacillin and tazobactam, and the liquid diluent, at cool room temperature. After mixing the medicine and diluent, you may store it at room temperature for up to 12 hours. Throw away any unused mixture that has not been used within that time.

Mixed medication can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Throw away any unused mixture that has not been used within that time.