What is Zosyn?
Zosyn is a mixture consisting of piperacillin and tazobactam. Piperacillin and tazobactam are penicillin-based antibiotics that fight the growth of bacteria within the body.
Zosyn can be used to treat various illnesses caused by bacteria, like stomach infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and severe uterine infections.Zosyn is often prescribed with other antibiotics.
Warnings
You shouldn't take Zosyn in the event that you've suffered an allergic reaction to certain antibiotics (especially penicillin antibiotics).
Before taking Zosyn, inform your doctor that you have kidney disease, bleeding, a blood clotting issue, lower levels of potassium in your blood, or cystic fibrosis. Also, you should mention a history of allergies, especially if you're following a low-salt diet or are sensitive to a cephalosporin antibiotic like cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and many others.
Utilize Zosyn for the entire prescribed time. The symptoms could improve until the infection is fully removed. The absence of doses can increase the chance of developing a new infection that is not able to be treated with antibiotics. Zosyn is not able to treat a viral infection, such as an illness that is common to colds and the flu.
Zosyn can cause bleeding, particularly in patients who suffer from kidney problems or are using certain medications. Consult your physician if you are taking any medicine to stop blood clots, like alteplase (Activase), bivalirudin (Angiomax), clopidogrel (Plavix), dabigatran (Pradaxa), dipyridamole (Persantine Aggrenox), enoxaparin (Lovenox), fondaparinux (Arixtra), and heparin. Tenecteplase (tnkase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), tinzaparin (Innohep), warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), and more
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use Zosyn if you have an allergy to:
- Piperacillin, or any other penicillin antibiotic (amoxicillin, ampicillin, Augmentin, dicloxacillin penicillin, oxacillin, or any other);
- Tazobactam;
- Cephalosporin antibiotics like cefdinir (Omnicef), cephalexin (Keflex), or any other
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Renal disease (or if you're taking dialysis);
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- An electrolyte imbalance, such as lower levels of potassium present in the blood.
- Cystic fibrosis
- All kinds of allergies
- If you're on a diet that has low salt.
Inform your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant.
Similar or related drugs
Prednisone, amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, metronidazole, and azithromycin
How to take Zosyn?
Zosyn can be administered via an IV infusion through the vein. The healthcare professional will give you your first dose and instruct you on how to administer the medication on your own. Don't administer this medication if you do not know how to administer the injection properly and get rid of IV tubing, needles, and any other devices employed.Follow the instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instructions. Be sure to use the medication exactly according to your doctor's instructions.
Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that come along with your medicine. Consult your physician or pharmacist for clarification if you aren't sure about the instructions.Only inject when you are able to administer it. Don't use it when the medication has changed color or contains particles. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication.
Take Zosyn for the prescribed duration of time, even if your symptoms begin to improve. Inadequate doses could increase the risk of developing an illness that is not responsive to medications. Zosyn does not treat viral diseases like the flu or commonly occurring colds.It is possible that you will need frequent blood tests.This medication can alter the outcomes of certain medical tests. Inform any physician who sees you that you are taking Zosyn.
The medicine mixed inside the siringe can be kept in the refrigerator for as long as 48 hours. The mixed medication contained inside bags, such as an IV bag, can be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days. Don't put the mixture in the freezer. Get rid of any mix that is not utilized within the timeframes.
Single-dose vials must be utilized immediately following reconstitution. Recycle any unutilized portion within 24 hours of storage if it is at room temperature or within 48 hours if it is stored at a refrigerated temperature.IV bags should be utilized within 24 hours of being at room temperature and up to a week if refrigerated.Infusion pumps must be consumed within 12 hours if kept at room temperature.
If the medicine is not frozen at the time it arrives, put the container of medicine in a freezer until you are ready to make your dosage.You can thaw frozen medication in a refrigerator or in a room. Avoid heating the medicine with warm water. Or in the microwave.
Make use of a needle and syringe just once, and then place them into a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.Do not keep the mixture in the freezer. Get rid of any mix that is not used up within these timeframes.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Utilize the medicine as soon as you are able, but do not miss your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotic medications can trigger diarrhea, and this could be an indication of a new infection. If you experience diarrhea that is bloody or watery and you are unsure of the cause, consult your physician before taking anti-diarrhea medication.
Side effects of Zosyn
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you notice symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Zosyn (hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling in your throat or face) or severe skin reactions (fever, sore throat, eye burning, irritation, and a red or purple eruption with peeling and blisters),
Consult a doctor when you experience a severe reaction to medication that could affect the body in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include the following: a skin rash or fever; swelling of the glands; muscle pains; extreme weakness; unusual bruising; or a yellowing of the eyes or skin.
To ensure that Zosyn is safe for you, ask your doctor if you have previously had:
- Extreme stomach diarrhea that's bloody or watery (even when it happens months after the previous dose);
- Confusion;
- Muscles stiffening or twitching; problems walking;
- A seizure;
- Lower white blood cell count: may experience fever or skin sores, mouth sores or sore throats, coughing, breathing difficulties,
- Low potassium can be afflicted by leg cramps or constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering around your chest, an increase in thirst or urination, numbness or tenderness in muscles, or a limb sensation.
Common Zosyn side effects can include:
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Nausea;
- Headache
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your doctor for medical advice about the effect. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
There are times when it's not safe to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications that you take, which can cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.
Other drugs can interfere with piperacillin and tazobactam, including medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.