What kind of pathogens is Zosyn (Piperacillin/Tazobactam) used for?

From the Guidelines

Zosyn (piperacillin-tazobactam) is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides fragilis, and some strains of Staphylococcus. The medication is a combination of piperacillin, an extended-spectrum penicillin, and tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor that prevents bacterial enzymes from breaking down the antibiotic, making it useful for treating complicated or polymicrobial infections such as intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, and febrile neutropenia 1. Some key points to consider when using Zosyn include:

• It is typically administered intravenously in hospital settings, with dosing usually at 3.375g or 4.5g every 6-8 hours, adjusted based on renal function.
• The medication is not effective against MRSA or most other resistant gram-positive organisms, and it doesn't treat viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.
• Zosyn can be used as part of a multidrug regimen to ensure broad coverage of potential pathogens, especially in critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock 1.
• The choice of empiric antimicrobial therapy depends on complex issues related to the patient’s history, clinical status, and local epidemiologic factors, and should be guided by knowledge of local microbiologic flora and resistance patterns 1. Overall, Zosyn is a valuable option for treating a range of bacterial infections, but its use should be guided by careful consideration of the patient's specific needs and the local epidemiology of infectious diseases.

From the FDA Drug Label

PIPRACIL is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below: Intra-Abdominal Infections including hepatobiliary and surgical infections caused by E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterococci, Clostridium spp., anaerobic cocci, or Bacteroides spp., including B. fragilis. Urinary Tract Infections caused by E. coli, Klebsiella spp., P. aeruginosa, Proteus spp., including P. mirabilis, or enterococci. Gynecologic Infections including endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic cellulitis caused by Bacteroides spp., including B. fragilis, anaerobic cocci, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or enterococci (E. faecalis). Septicemia including bacteremia caused by E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp., P. mirabilis, S. pneumoniae, enterococci, P. aeruginosa, Bacteroides spp., or anaerobic cocci. Lower RespiratoryTract Infections caused by E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., P. aeruginosa, Serratia spp., H. influenzae, Bacteroides spp., or anaerobic cocci. Skin and Skin Structure Infections caused by E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Serratia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., P. aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, Providencia rettgeri, Proteus vulgaris, P. mirabilis, Bacteroides spp., including B. fragilis, anaerobic cocci, or enterococci. Bone and Joint Infections caused by P. aeruginosa, enterococci, Bacteroides spp., or anaerobic cocci. Uncomplicated Gonococcal Urethritis caused by N. gonorrhoeae.

Zosyn (piperacillin and tazobactam) is used for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms, including:

• Gram-negative bacteria: E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp., P. mirabilis, H. influenzae, Bacteroides spp.
• Gram-positive bacteria: enterococci, Streptococcus species including S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae
• Anaerobic bacteria: Clostridium spp., anaerobic cocci, Bacteroides spp. 2

From the Research

Pathogens Treated with Zosyn

Zosyn, also known as piperacillin-tazobactam, is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections caused by:

• Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Klebsiella spp. 3
• Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae 4, 5
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of hospital-acquired infections 4, 6
• Streptococcus spp., including penicillin-resistant strains 4
• Haemophilus influenzae, including ampicillin-resistant strains 4
• Enterococci, including vancomycin-susceptible enterococci 4
• Bacillus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. 4

Specific Infections Treated with Zosyn

Zosyn is used to treat a range of infections, including:

• Bloodstream infections, including bacteremia caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella spp. 3, 5
• Urinary tract infections, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6
• Respiratory tract infections, including those caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus spp. 4
• Intra-abdominal infections, including those caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. 7
• Skin and soft tissue infections, including those caused by Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. 4