From the FDA Drug Label
Aerobic bacteria Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible isolates only)
The FDA drug label does not answer the question about MRSA coverage, as it specifically mentions methicillin susceptible isolates only for Staphylococcus aureus, implying it may not be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 1.
From the Research
No, Tazocin (piperacillin-tazobactam) does not effectively cover MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Tazocin is a combination antibiotic containing piperacillin, a penicillin-class antibiotic, and tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. MRSA has developed resistance to all beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, through the production of an altered penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a) that has low affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics.
For MRSA infections, appropriate antibiotics include vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, ceftaroline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, depending on the site and severity of infection. According to a recent study 2, linezolid may be a preferred antibiotic for the treatment of MRSA-caused infections, showing superiority in clinical and microbiological success without difference regarding safety.
When treating suspected or confirmed MRSA infections, it's essential to use antibiotics specifically active against MRSA rather than relying on Tazocin, which remains effective against many other bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and various gram-negative organisms. The most recent and highest quality study 2 supports the use of linezolid as a potential first-line drug against MRSA bacteremia, with comparable effectiveness and safety to vancomycin and daptomycin.
Key points to consider:
- Tazocin does not cover MRSA due to its resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics
- Appropriate antibiotics for MRSA infections include vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, ceftaroline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
- Linezolid may be a preferred antibiotic for MRSA-caused infections, according to recent studies 2
- It's essential to use antibiotics specifically active against MRSA when treating suspected or confirmed MRSA infections.