PTZ 2.25/PTZ 4.5 Special Precautions

The selection of Piperacillin/Tazobactam to treat an individual patient should take into account the appropriateness of using a broad-spectrum semi-synthetic penicillin based on factors such as the severity of the infection and the prevalence of resistance to other suitable antibacterial agents.
Before initiating therapy with Piperacillin/Tazobactam, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, other beta-lactam agents (e.g. cephalosporin, monobactam or carbapenem) and other allergens. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic/anaphylactoid [including shock]) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with penicillins, including Piperacillin/Tazobactam. These reactions are more likely to occur in persons with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Serious hypersensitivity reactions require the discontinuation of the antibiotic, and may require administration of epinephrine and other emergency measures.
Piperacillin/Tazobactam may cause severe cutaneous adverse reaction such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported in patients receiving Piperacillin/Tazobactam. If patients develop a skin rash they should be monitored closely and Piperacillin/Tazobactam discontinued if lesions progress.
Antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis may be manifested by severe, persistent diarrhoea which may be life-threatening. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment. In these cases Piperacillin/Tazobactam, should be discontinued.
Therapy with Piperacillin/Tazobactam may result in the emergence of resistant organisms, which might cause super-infections.
Bleeding manifestations have occurred in some patients receiving beta-lactam antibiotics. These reactions sometimes have 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, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.
Leukopenia and neutropenia may occur, especially during prolonged therapy. Therefore, periodic assessment of haematopoietic function should be performed.
As with treatment with other penicillins, neurological complications in the form of convulsions (seizures) may occur when high doses are administered, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
Hypokalaemia may occur in patients with low potassium reserves or those receiving concomitant medicinal products that may lower potassium levels; periodic electrolyte determinations may be advisable in such patients.