What is the dosing for Tazocin (piperacillin/tazobactam)?

From the Guidelines

Tazocin (piperacillin-tazobactam) should be dosed at 3.375 g every 6 hours for the empiric treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infection in adults with normal renal function, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.

Key Considerations

• The dosing regimen may need to be adjusted for patients with renal impairment, with a recommended dose of 3.375 g every 6 hours for patients with creatinine clearance >20 mL/min, and a reduced dose for those with more severe renal impairment.
• For critically ill patients or those with severe infections like sepsis, the higher frequency (every 6 hours) is preferred to maintain adequate drug levels.
• The recommended dose for children is not explicitly stated in the provided guidelines, but it is generally recommended to use 90-112.5 mg/kg (based on piperacillin component) every 6-8 hours, not exceeding the adult dose.
• Treatment duration typically ranges from 7-14 days depending on infection severity and site, with longer courses sometimes needed for complicated infections.

Administration

• Tazocin should be administered as a slow IV infusion over 30 minutes to minimize vein irritation.
• This dosing regimen ensures optimal bacterial killing through time-dependent activity while the tazobactam component prevents bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes from inactivating the piperacillin, making it effective against many resistant organisms.

Evidence-Based Recommendations

• The recommended dosing regimen is based on the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of complicated intra-abdominal infection in adults and children, as well as the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections 1.
• The most recent guidelines recommend a dose of 3.375 g every 6 hours for the empiric treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infection in adults with normal renal function 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The usual total daily dosage of piperacillin and tazobactam for injection for adult patients with indications other than nosocomial pneumonia is 3.375 g every six hours [totaling 13.5 g (12 g piperacillin/1. 5 g tazobactam)], to be administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. The usual duration of piperacillin and tazobactam for injection treatment is from 7 to 10 days. Initial presumptive treatment of adult patients with nosocomial pneumonia should start with piperacillin and tazobactam for injection at a dosage of 4. 5 g every six hours plus an aminoglycoside, [totaling 18 g (16 g piperacillin/2 g tazobactam)], administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. The recommended duration of piperacillin and tazobactam for injection treatment for nosocomial pneumonia is 7 to 14 days.

Tazocin Dosing:

• Adults (non-nosocomial pneumonia): 3.375 g every 6 hours (13.5 g/day) for 7-10 days
• Adults (nosocomial pneumonia): 4.5 g every 6 hours (18 g/day) plus an aminoglycoside for 7-14 days
• Pediatric patients: dosing varies by age and weight; see Tables in the drug label for specific recommendations 2, 2, and 2.

From the Research

Tazocin Dosing Information

• Tazocin, also known as piperacillin/tazobactam, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections 3.
• The typical dosage of piperacillin/tazobactam is 4g/500mg every 8 hours, administered intravenously 4, 5.
• This dosage has been shown to be effective in treating complicated urinary tract infections, with a clinical response rate of 86% and a bacteriological response rate of 73% 4.
• Piperacillin/tazobactam has also been used to treat polymicrobial infections, including those caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae 6, 7.
• In the treatment of nonbacteremic urinary tract infections due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, piperacillin-tazobactam may be an effective alternative to carbapenems, with a clinical response rate of 74.4% compared to 80.9% for carbapenems 7.

Key Findings

• Piperacillin/tazobactam is generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal symptoms and skin reactions 3.
• The incidence of adverse events is higher when piperacillin/tazobactam is given in combination with an aminoglycoside than when given as monotherapy 3.
• Piperacillin/tazobactam has been shown to be effective in eradicating a wide range of pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4, 5.