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Hypersensitivity Adverse Reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic/anaphylactoid) reactions (including shock) have been reported in patients receiving therapy with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of penicillin, cephalosporin, or carbapenem hypersensitivity or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Before initiating therapy with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection may cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. If patients develop a skin rash they should be monitored closely and Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection discontinued if lesions progress.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) have been reported in pediatric and adult patients treated with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection. Signs and symptoms of HLH may include fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and cytopenia. If HLH is suspected, discontinue Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection immediately and institute appropriate management.
Hematologic Adverse Reactions: Bleeding manifestations have occurred in some patients receiving beta-lactam drugs, including Piperacillin. These reactions have sometimes been associated with abnormalities of coagulation tests such as clotting time, platelet aggregation and prothrombin time, and are more likely to occur in patients with renal failure. If bleeding manifestations occur, Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.
The leukopenia/neutropenia associated with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection administration appears to be reversible and most frequently associated with prolonged administration.
Periodic assessment of hematopoietic function should be performed, especially with prolonged therapy, i.e., ≥21 days.
Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions: As with other penicillins, Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection may cause neuromuscular excitability or seizures. Patients receiving higher doses, especially patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for central nervous system adverse reactions. Closely monitor patients with renal impairment or seizure disorders for signs and symptoms of neuromuscular excitability or seizures.
Nephrotoxicity in Critically ill Patients: The use of Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection was found to be an independent risk factor for renal failure and was associated with delayed recovery of renal function as compared to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs in a randomized, multicenter, controlled trial in critically ill patients. Based on this study, alternative treatment options should be considered in the critically ill population. If alternative treatment options are inadequate or unavailable, monitor renal function during treatment with Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection.
Combined use of Piperacillin/Tazobactam and vancomycin may be associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury.
Electrolyte Effects: Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection contains a total of 2.35 mEq (54 mg) of Na+ (sodium) per gram of Piperacillin in the combination product.
This should be considered when treating patients requiring restricted salt intake.
Periodic electrolyte determinations should be performed in patients with low potassium reserves, and the possibility of hypokalemia should be kept in mind with patients who have potentially low potassium reserves and who are receiving cytotoxic therapy or diuretics.
Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea: Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Prescribing Piperacillin and Tazobactam for injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of development of drug-resistant bacteria.
