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Extended-spectrum Penicillin·Infectious Diseases - Penicillins
Hospital-acquired pneumonia, complicated intra-abdominal sepsis, febrile neutropenia, diabetic foot infections
Max Dose
18 g/day
Half-life
1 h
Nephrotoxic
COMBINED RISK
Sodium Load
HIGH
Overview
Ultra-broad-spectrum anti-pseudomonal penicillin paired with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. The empirical backbone of severe hospital-acquired sepsis and neutropenic fever.
Maximum Dose
Max 18 g/day (given as 4.5 g q6h).
Clinical Focus
Massive risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) when combined with Vancomycin. Contains a massive sodium load that can exacerbate heart failure.
Bottom Line
Piperacillin/tazobactam is the workhorse broad-spectrum IV antibiotic for hospital-acquired and polymicrobial infections, but must not be combined with vancomycin via the same line and requires renal dose adjustment.
Brand Names
Tazocin
Parenteral
Ampoules (4 g piperacillin / 0.5 g tazobactam) for IV infusion.
Prescribing & PBS
Hospital supply. Restricted.
Primary
Hospital-acquired pneumonia, complicated intra-abdominal sepsis, febrile neutropenia, diabetic foot infections.
Clinical Place
The definitive 'big gun' empiric beta-lactam on the ward. Tightly restricted by antimicrobial stewardship.