Zosyn

1 What is Zosyn?

Brand: Zosyn

Generic: Piperacillin and Tazobactam

Zosyn is a combination of penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitors used for the treatment of bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.

This drug kills bacteria by inhibiting their cell wall synthesis. This drug is ineffective against viral infections. This drug is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your healthcare professional.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Zosyn, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of piperacillin and tazobactam combination while safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 months of age. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of piperacillin and tazobactam combination.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems. Indications of harm to the fetus have not been reported in animal studies while risks to the fetus have not been demonstrated inadequate studies in pregnant women.

This drug poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Bupropion
  • Chlortetracycline
  • Demeclocycline
  • Donepezil
  • Doxycycline
  • Lymecycline
  • Meclocycline
  • Methacycline
  • Methotrexate
  • Minocycline
  • Oxytetracycline
  • Rolitetracycline
  • Tetracycline
  • Vecuronium
  • Warfarin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Zosyn requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. A trained healthcare professional will be the only one to give you this drug.

This drug is administered intravenously through a needle placed in one of your veins. The drug must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for 30 minutes.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Zosyn, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests. Call your healthcare professional immediately if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis such as:

  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Any swelling of your hands, face or mouth after you receive this drug.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have skin reactions such as:

  • Blistering
  • Peeling, or Loosening of the skin
  • Red skin lesions
  • Severe acne or Skin rash
  • Sores or Ulcers on the skin
  • Fever or Chills while you are receiving this drug.

This drug may cause diarrhea which may occur 2 months or more after you stop receiving this drug.

Check with your healthcare professional before you take any drug to treat diarrhea since these drugs may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer.

Check with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse.

Inform the healthcare professional in charge that you are using this drug before having any medical tests, since the results of some tests may be affected by this drug.

Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Zosyn. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Bladder pain
  • Bloating or Swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • Blurred vision
  • Burning upper abdominal or stomach pain
  • Changes in urination
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Fever or Sweating
  • Headache
  • Inflammation or Swelling at the injection site
  • Lower back or side pain
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Pain, Tenderness, or Swelling of the foot or leg
  • Pain, Warmth, or Burning in the fingers, toes, and legs
  • Problems with vision or hearing
  • Skin rash
  • Slow or Fast heartbeat
  • Troubled breathing
  • Abdominal or Stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness
  • Agitation
  • Bone pain
  • Bruising
  • Chills
  • Cold sweats
  • Cough
  • Deep or Fast breathing with dizziness
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Hives
  • Hostility
  • Itching of the vagina or genital area
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Muscle stiffness or twitching
  • Nightmares
  • Numbness or Tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
  • Puffiness or Swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • Sore throat
  • Sores, Ulcers, or White spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth
  • Swollen glands
  • Temporary blindness
  • Thick, White vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
  • Total body jerking
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Back or Leg pain
  • Blistering, Peeling, or Loosening of the skin
  • High fever
  • Joint or Muscle pain
  • Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • Yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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