Recommended Dosage of Zosyn (Piperacillin/Tazobactam) for Adults with Normal Renal Function
For adults with normal renal function, the recommended dose of Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam) is 3.375 g (3 g piperacillin/0.375 g tazobactam) administered intravenously every 6 hours, for a total daily dose of 13.5 g. 1
Standard Dosing by Indication
- For most infections (including skin and skin structure infections, intra-abdominal infections, gynecological infections, and community-acquired pneumonia), the standard dose is 3.375 g every 6 hours administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes 1
- For nosocomial pneumonia, a higher dose of 4.5 g every 6 hours is recommended, for a total daily dose of 18 g 1
- The usual duration of treatment ranges from 7 to 10 days for most infections, and 7 to 14 days for nosocomial pneumonia 1
Administration Considerations
- Zosyn should be administered by intravenous infusion over a period of at least 30 minutes 1
- After reconstitution, the solution should be further diluted to a recommended volume of 50 mL to 150 mL in a compatible intravenous solution 1
- During the infusion, it is advisable to discontinue the primary infusion solution 1
Renal Dose Adjustments
While the question specifically asks about normal renal function, it's important to note that dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with impaired renal function:
- For creatinine clearance 20-40 mL/min: 2.25 g every 6 hours (for standard indications) or 3.375 g every 6 hours (for nosocomial pneumonia) 1
- For creatinine clearance <20 mL/min: 2.25 g every 8 hours (for standard indications) or 2.25 g every 6 hours (for nosocomial pneumonia) 1
- For hemodialysis patients: 2.25 g every 12 hours (for standard indications) or 2.25 g every 8 hours (for nosocomial pneumonia), plus an additional 0.75 g after each dialysis session 1
Safety Considerations
- Zosyn in combination with vancomycin has been associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury compared to alternative antibiotic combinations 2
- Monitor renal function during treatment, particularly in critically ill patients or those receiving concomitant nephrotoxic agents 2
- The most common adverse events associated with piperacillin/tazobactam are gastrointestinal symptoms (particularly diarrhea) and skin reactions 3
Clinical Efficacy
- Piperacillin/tazobactam has a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity that encompasses most Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria, including many pathogens producing beta-lactamases 3
- It is particularly useful for the treatment of polymicrobial infections and has shown efficacy in lower respiratory tract, intra-abdominal, urinary tract, gynecological, and skin/soft tissue infections 3
Remember that while this represents the standard dosing for adults with normal renal function, clinical judgment should be exercised based on the severity of infection, the specific pathogen involved, and individual patient factors.