From the Research
The brand name of the combination medication containing piperacillin (antibiotic) and tazobactam (beta-lactamase inhibitor) is Zosyn. This medication is an important broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various serious bacterial infections, including intra-abdominal infections, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and febrile neutropenia. Zosyn works by combining the extended-spectrum penicillin (piperacillin) with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (tazobactam) that prevents bacterial enzymes from breaking down the antibiotic component. This combination allows the medication to be effective against many bacteria that would otherwise be resistant to piperacillin alone.
Key Points
- Zosyn is typically administered intravenously in hospital settings, with dosing adjusted based on the type of infection, severity, and patient's renal function.
- Generic versions of this combination are also available in many markets, but Zosyn remains the original and most recognized brand name for this antibiotic combination.
- The reformulation of Zosyn, as described in 1, has expanded its compatibility and coadministration with lactated Ringer's solutions and selected aminoglycosides, providing useful options for drug administration to healthcare professionals.
Clinical Use
Zosyn has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various infections, including those caused by beta-lactamase-producing organisms, as demonstrated in studies such as 2 and 3. Its broad-spectrum activity and ability to be coadministered with other medications make it a valuable option in the treatment of serious bacterial infections.
Safety and Tolerability
Zosyn has an excellent safety and tolerability profile, with the most frequent adverse events being gastrointestinal symptoms and skin reactions, as noted in 4. However, the incidence of adverse events may be higher when Zosyn is given in combination with an aminoglycoside. Overall, Zosyn is a reliable and effective option for the empiric treatment of moderate-to-severe infections in hospitalized patients, and its brand name is widely recognized in the medical community.