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Extended-spectrum beta-lactam + beta-lactamase inhibitor

Piperacillin/Tazobactam

Brand names: Tazocin

Used in: Sepsis Acute Appendicitis

Piperacillin with tazobactam ('pip-taz') is a broad-spectrum intravenous beta-lactam combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, used for serious infections including neutropenic sepsis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Piperacillin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis via penicillin-binding proteins, while tazobactam inhibits many beta-lactamases, extending activity against resistant organisms.

Prescribing in practice

  • It contains a penicillin and is contraindicated in penicillin allergy; check allergy status before prescribing.
  • It is renally cleared (dose reduction needed in renal impairment) and can cause hypokalaemia, so monitor electrolytes.
  • Combined use with vancomycin carries a signal of increased nephrotoxicity, and broad-spectrum use raises Clostridioides difficile risk.

Monitoring

Monitor renal function and potassium, and reassess therapy with culture results; monitor more closely when co-prescribed with other nephrotoxic agents.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any rash, swelling or difficulty breathing during treatment.
  • Report severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea, which may occur during or after treatment.

Evidence & guidelines

A widely used empirical agent for serious infection and neutropenic sepsis; use should follow local antimicrobial guidance.

Reference: NICE NG51 Neutropenic Sepsis; PHE Antimicrobial Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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