Piperacillin: What is it? Side Effects, Contraindications, Way of Use and Precautions

It is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

It is also used before certain surgeries to prevent bacterial infections.

This medicine is known as a penicillin-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Tazobactam is an antibiotic similar to penicillin that fights bacteria in the body.

Piperacillin and Tazobactam treat many different infections caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections, infections of the bones and joints, severe vaginal infections, stomach infections, skin infections, and pneumonia.

This medicine is sometimes given together with other antibiotics. Piperacillin and Tazobactam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of Piperacillin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction: hives, hard breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe side effects, such as:

 

  • Watery or bloody diarrhea.
  • Pale or yellowish skin, dark-colored urine, fever, confusion, or weakness.
  • The sensation of dizziness or shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and difficulty concentrating.
  • I easily bruise unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum) and purple or red dots under the skin.
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, urination, muscle pain or weakness, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and fainting.
  • Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
  • White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.
  • Convulsions

Less serious side effects may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or discomfort.
  • Constipation, mild diarrhea.
  • Headache, dizziness, agitation.
  • Runny nose.
  • Anxiety, trouble sleeping ( insomnia ).
  • Skin rash or itching.
  • Pain, swelling, or other irritation where the injection was given.
  • Itching or vaginal discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical information about side effects.

Contraindications and allergies

Allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, imipenem, beta-lactamase inhibitors.

Risk of hemorrhagic complications, especially in renal failure; discontinue if thrombocytopenia or bleeding occurs.

Leukopenia/neutropenia associated with prolonged therapy; Periodic evaluation of hematopoietic function should be performed, especially with prolonged therapy≥ 21 days.

Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and generalized exanthematous pustulosis, have been reported. Suspend if the reaction occurs.

Monitor renal, hepatic, and especially hematopoietic functions during prolonged treatment. Prolonged use can cause bacterial or fungal superinfection.

It is unlikely that administration of the therapy in the absence of a demonstrated or very suspicious bacterial infection will benefit the patient and increase the risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria.

Diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile was reported; If Clostridium difficile is suspected or confirmed, it may be necessary to discontinue the continued use of antibacterial drugs not directed against Clostridium difficile.

Proper administration of fluids and electrolytes may be necessary to implement protein supplements; antibacterial treatment of Clostridium difficile and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Increased frequency of rash and fever in patients with cystic fibrosis treated with Piperacillin.

The risk of seizures may increase in patients with a history of seizures when they are administered in doses higher than the recommended doses administered intravenously in the presence of renal failure.

Consider the sodium content (2.79 mEq / g Piperacillin) in patients requiring sodium restriction.

Perform periodic electrolyte determinations in patients with low potassium stores who receive cytotoxic therapy or diuretics. Consider the possibility of hypokalemia in patients with potentially low potassium stores.

High fever and skin rash frequency were reported in patients with cystic fibrosis receiving Piperacillin.

Be careful in patients with kidney failure or underdeveloped kidneys due to sodium loading and the adverse effects of high serum penicillin concentrations; dose adjustment may be necessary.

Patients may experience neuromuscular excitability or seizures if doses higher than those recommended intravenously are administered (particularly in the presence of renal failure).

What is the most important information I should know about Piperacillin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Piperacillin and Tazobactam or any other penicillin antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag), ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin ( Bactocill), ticarcillin (Timentin) and others.

Before using Piperacillin and Tazobactam, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, low potassium levels in the blood, cystic fibrosis, or a history of allergies on a low diet. Salt or if you are allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Use this medication for the entire prescribed time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection has completely disappeared. Skipping doses can also increase your risk of further infection resistant to antibiotics.

Piperacillin and Tazobactam will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or the flu.

Piperacillin can cause bleeding, especially in people with kidney disease or who use certain medications. Tell your doctor if you are using any medication to prevent blood clots, such as:

Alteplasa (Activase), bivalirudina (Angiomax), clopidogrel (Plavix), dabigatrán (Pradaxa), dipiridamol (Persantine, Aggrenox), enoxaparina (Lovenox), fondaparinux (Arixtra ), heparina, tenecteplasa (TNKasa), ticlopidina (Ticlid), tinzaparina (Innohep), warfarina (Coumadin, Jantoven) y otros.

What should I discuss with my doctor before using Piperacillin?

You should not use this medication if allergic to Piperacillin or any other penicillin antibiotic.

To make sure you can safely use Piperacillin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

  • Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
  • A bleeding or blood clotting disorder.
  • An electrolyte imbalance, such as low levels of potassium in the blood.
  • Cystic fibrosis.
  • A history of any allergy.
  • If you are on a low salt diet.
  • If you are allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others.

During pregnancy, Piperacillin is expected to be harmful to the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Piperacillin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I use Piperacillin?

This medicine is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to therapy.

If you are administering this medication at home, learn all the instructions for preparation and use of your health professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If one is present, do not use the liquid.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Please do not use it in larger or smaller amounts or longer than recommended. Follow the instructions on the medication label.

Piperacillin is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home.

Do not self-inject this medication if you do not fully understand how to administer the injection and properly dispose of used needles, intravenous tubes, and other items used to inject the medication.

Piperacillin should be administered slowly, and intravenous infusion may take at least 30 minutes to complete; it should be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before use. If you use injections at home, make sure you understand how to mix and store the medication correctly.

Prepare your dose in a syringe, serum bag, or infusion pump only when ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles. Call your doctor to get a new prescription.

Piperacillin is usually given for 7 to 10 days, depending on the treated infection. Follow the instructions of your doctor.

If you use this medication for a prolonged period, your blood should be checked frequently. Visit your doctor regularly.

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

Use this medication for the entire prescribed time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection has completely disappeared. Skipping doses can also increase your risk of additional infection resistance to antibiotics.

This medicine may cause unusual results with specific medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Piperacillin.

Store the medication without mixing and the liquid diluent at cool room temperature.

The medication mixed in a serum bag should be used within 24 hours if kept at room temperature. Mixed medicine in an infusion pump should be used within 12 hours if kept at room temperature.

Mixed medication in a serum bag can also be stored in the refrigerator for seven days. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused mixture that has not been used within that time.

Administer aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin) separately from this medicine. Do not mix intravenous fluid in the same.

To get the best effect, use this antibiotic at regular intervals. To help you remember, use this medicine simultaneously every day.

Continue to use this medication until the prescribed amount is completed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to grow, which may cause the infection to return.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the last dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use additional medication to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention. Call your poison control center or get medical attention if you think there has been an overdose. Prepare to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when.

Overdose symptoms may include severe anxiety, agitation, restlessness, nervousness, or seizures.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not throw medicines into the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed. Discard this product correctly when it has expired or is no longer necessary. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Precautions

Antibiotic medications can cause diarrhea, which can signify a new infection. If you have watery diarrhea or have blood, call your doctor. Do not use any medication to stop diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about Piperacillin.