Tazomac 4.5 Gm Injection

TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is an antibacterial medication manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd., specifically formulated to combat a wide spectrum of bacterial infections.

Name

• Brand Name: TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION
• Common Name: Piperacillin and Tazobactam Injection

Composition

Each vial of TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION contains:

• Piperacillin: 4000 mg (4 GM)
• Tazobactam: 500 mg (0.5 GM)

Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that prevents the formation of bacterial cell walls, thereby killing the infection-causing bacteria. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects piperacillin from degradation by bacterial enzymes, extending its antibacterial activity.

Uses

TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is prescribed for the treatment of various severe bacterial infections, including:

• Lower respiratory tract infections, such as hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney infections.
• Intra-abdominal infections (e.g., complicated appendicitis, peritonitis).
• Skin and soft tissue infections, including diabetic foot infections.
• Gynecological infections, such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Blood infections (septicemia).
• Fever in neutropenic patients (those with a low white blood cell count). This medication is effective only against bacterial infections and not viral infections.

Dosage and Administration

TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is administered intravenously (IV) by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting. It is typically given as a slow infusion over 30 minutes. The precise dose and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor based on the severity and location of the infection, the causative organism, and the patient's clinical progress. Self-administration is not advised, and it is crucial to complete the full prescribed course of therapy for optimal effectiveness and to prevent recurrence. The usual dose is 4 g piperacillin / 0.5 g tazobactam every eight hours, which may be increased to every six hours for nosocomial pneumonia and infections in neutropenic patients.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or abdominal pain.
• Headache, sleeplessness.
• Skin rash, itching, and allergic skin reactions.
• Inflammation, pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.

Serious side effects, though less common, can include:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) requiring immediate medical attention.
• Severe watery or bloody diarrhea.
• Increased risk of leukopenia and neutropenia (decreased white blood cell count), particularly with prolonged therapy.

Precautions

• Allergies: Not recommended for individuals with a known allergy to Piperacillin, Tazobactam, or other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems).
• Kidney/Liver Conditions: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease, as dose adjustments may be necessary. Caution is also advised for patients with liver problems.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe if prescribed by a doctor, but should be used with caution during breastfeeding as components may pass into breast milk and potentially cause fungal infections or diarrhea in infants. Consultation with a doctor is essential.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, as it can interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin), anti-cancer agents (e.g., methotrexate), gout medicines (e.g., probenecid), certain other antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides, vancomycin), and muscle relaxants (e.g., vecuronium).
• Other Warnings: Caution is advised for patients with a history of seizures, cystic fibrosis, colitis, bleeding disorders, or low potassium levels. May reduce the effectiveness of live vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine).
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may worsen side effects.
• Pediatric Use: Not advisable for children below 2 years of age, as safety and efficacy have not been established.

Storage

Store TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION at or below 25°C, away from light and heat. After reconstitution, solutions should be used immediately. Reconstituted solutions are typically stable for 24 hours at 25°C or 48 hours at 4°C, but in-use storage times and conditions should adhere to strict aseptic guidelines. Any unused portion should be properly discarded.

TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION (Piperacillin and Tazobactam) is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

What is TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION used for?

TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is used to treat serious and complicated bacterial infections across various body systems. These include stomach and abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections (such as diabetic foot infections), pneumonia (including hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia), urinary tract infections, kidney infections, gynecological infections, and blood infections (sepsis). It may also be used as a preventive measure before certain surgeries. It is effective only against bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu.

How does TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION work?

TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is a combination of two active ingredients: Piperacillin (4GM) and Tazobactam (0.5GM). Piperacillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic that works by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls, which are essential for bacteria to survive and multiply. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It helps by preventing certain bacteria from destroying Piperacillin, thereby extending its antibacterial activity and making it more effective against resistant bacterial strains.

What is the usual dosage for TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION?

This medicine is administered by a doctor or nurse as an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion in a hospital or clinic setting and should not be self-administered. The exact dose, frequency, and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on the type and severity of your infection, your general health, age, and weight. It is typically given every 6 hours, although children 9 months and older may receive it every 8 hours. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance.

What are the possible side effects of TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION?

Common side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, sleeplessness, rashes, itching, and inflammation or pain at the injection site. More serious side effects, though less common, can include severe watery or bloody diarrhea (which may occur up to two months after treatment), allergic reactions (such as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing), kidney injury, or seizures. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is generally not advisable during pregnancy as its components can cross the placental barrier. It may be prescribed by your doctor only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Caution is advised. Breastfeeding: The components of this medicine pass into breast milk and may cause fungal infections (thrush) or diarrhea in a breastfed baby. It should be used with caution while breastfeeding, and your doctor will assess the benefits versus risks before prescribing it. Additionally, TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, so alternative birth control methods might be necessary during treatment.

Can TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION be taken with other medications?

TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION can interact with several medications. Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking. Notable interactions include:

• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin): May increase the risk of bleeding.
• Chemotherapy agents (e.g., methotrexate): Can increase their toxicity.
• Gout medicines (e.g., probenecid): Can increase the levels of TAZOMAC in the blood, potentially leading to increased side effects.
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., tobramycin, gentamicin) and Vancomycin: Co-administration requires careful monitoring due to an increased risk of kidney problems.
• Muscle relaxants (e.g., vecuronium) used during surgery.
• Live vaccines (e.g., BCG, typhoid vaccine): May reduce their effectiveness.
• Hormonal contraceptives: May decrease their effectiveness.

What precautions should be taken with TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION?

• Allergies: Do not use if you have a known allergy to Piperacillin, Tazobactam, other penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporins, or any other beta-lactam antibiotics.
• Kidney or Liver Issues: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, as dose adjustments may be necessary.
• Diarrhea: If you experience severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea, consult your doctor immediately. Do not take anti-diarrheal medication without medical advice.
• Other Conditions: Exercise caution if you have a history of seizures, cystic fibrosis, bleeding disorders, low potassium levels, or certain stomach/intestine problems like colitis.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while on this medication.

What happens if a dose of TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is missed?

Since TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose. However, if you believe a dose was missed, inform your doctor or nurse immediately. It is crucial not to miss any antibiotic doses to maintain effective treatment and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

How should TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION be stored?

Unopened vials of TAZOMAC 4.5 GM INJECTION should be stored at or below 25°C, protected from light and heat. Once reconstituted (mixed with liquid) by a healthcare professional, the solution should be used promptly. Any unused portion should be discarded appropriately and not stored for later use. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.