From the Research
Zosyn (piperacillin-tazobactam) can potentially cause acute urinary retention, though it is not a common side effect, and patients with risk factors such as being elderly or having pre-existing urological conditions should be closely monitored while on this therapy. The exact mechanism by which Zosyn could cause urinary retention is not well understood, but it may involve effects on the nervous system or allergic/inflammatory reactions that affect urinary tract function 1. According to recent studies, the most common causes of acute urinary retention are obstructive in nature, with prostatic hyperplasia being responsible for more than half of the cases in men 2. Other causes include infection, inflammation, and iatrogenic or neurological problems.
Risk Factors and Mechanisms
Some patients may be at higher risk of experiencing urinary retention with Zosyn, including:
- Elderly patients
- Those with pre-existing urological conditions
- Men with prostatic hyperplasia
- Patients taking other medications that can affect urination Zosyn may affect the nervous system in some patients, which could interfere with normal bladder function, or patients may experience allergic or inflammatory reactions that could affect urinary tract function 1.
Management and Treatment
If a patient develops difficulty urinating or inability to empty the bladder while on Zosyn therapy, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. The healthcare provider may need to consider alternative antibiotics or implement measures to manage the urinary retention, such as temporary catheterization 3. Patients with a history of urinary problems should inform their doctor before starting Zosyn treatment. Initial management of urinary retention involves assessment of urethral patency with prompt and complete bladder decompression by catheterization, and further management is decided by determining the cause and chronicity of the urinary retention 3.
Key Considerations
It is essential for clinicians to be aware of the potential for Zosyn to cause acute urinary retention, as well as other rare but severe complications such as interstitial nephritis, hepatitis, and serum sickness-like syndrome 1. Monitoring for these complications and prompt treatment can improve patient outcomes. The most recent study on acute urinary retention highlights the importance of patient investigations and treatments, and provides an overview of the common causes of urinary retention, as well as emergency department evaluation, treatment, and disposition of patients with acute retention 2.