1. What is Pipercillin/Tazobactam powder for solution for injection or infusion?
It is a generic formulation of Tazocin® (Wyeth), which is available in two strengths; 2g/0.25g (2.25g)
and 4g/0.5g (4.5g).
2. Are there any differences in the formulations of Tazocin® and Pipercillin/Tazobactam?
Tazocin® contains the excipients disodium
edetate dihydrate (EDTA) and citric acid, which
are not present in Pipercillin/Tazobactam formulation.
3. Are there any differences in the recommended use of these products
| Tazocin® |
Pipercillin/Tazobactam |
In circumstances where coadministration is thought essential, the reformulated Tazocin® has been shown to be compatible for simultaneous
co-administration via Y-site
infusion only with the
aminoglycosides; amikacin and gentamicin under certain conditions.
Please refer to the Tazocin® SPC for further details. |
Healthcare professionals should clearly label reconstituted generic pipercillin/ tazobactam
with a statement that the product must not be mixed or coadministered with aminoglycosides. Nursing staff should be advised not to mix or co-administer pipercillin/ tazobactam with aminoglycosides. Prescription charts should be checked to ensure that where patients are prescribed both aminoglycosides and generic
pipercillin/tazobactam, these are not administered at the same time as this can lead to substantial inactivation of the aminoglycoside. |
| Reconstituted Tazocin® may be diluted with lactated Ringer’s (Hartmann’s) solution prior to i.v. infusion. |
Nursing staff should be advised
not to add generic pipercillin/
tazobactam to bags of lactated
Ringer’s (Hartmann’s) solution. |
| Tazocin® can be used for the treatment of certain bacterial infections in children. |
This product can be used in children over 2 years old for certain bacterial infections. |
4. How should I reconstitute the product?
This should be done in accordance with the instructions on the SPC.
Pipercillin/Tazobactam 2g/0.25g (2.25g) is reconstituted in 10ml and 4g/0.5g (4.5g) is reconstituted in 20ml of one of the following diluents:
- Sterile Water for Injection
- 9mg/ml (0.9%) Sodium Chloride for Injection
- Dextrose 50mg/ml (5%) in water
- Dextrose 50mg/ml (5%) in sodium chloride 9mg/ml (0.9%) solution
5. For how long is the reconstituted solution stable?
From the micrological point of view, the product should be used immediately.
6. Does the product contain latex?
The product in question does not contain latex however, we cannot guarantee that the product has not come into contact with latex during manufacture.
7. Who do I contact regarding Medical Information enquiries?
Actavis Medical Information can be contacted on
01271 311257.
8. I have reconstituted the product with lactated Ringer’s (Hartmann’s) solution and administered the product. What information do you have regarding possible effects on the patient?
The Summary of Product Characteristics does not include lactated Ringer’s (Hartmann’s) solution as a diluent for i.v. infusion and it is therefore not recommended. If the
product has been incorrectly administered in this way the
patient should be monitored and treated accordingly. All such medication errors and any subsequent adverse events should be reported to Actavis Medical Information, the MHRA (using the Yellow Card system at www.yellowcard.gov.uk), NPSA and relevant NHS departments.
9. I have co-administered Pipercillin/Tazobactam with an aminoglycoside antibiotic (amikacin/gentamicin). What information do you have regarding possible effects on the patient?
The Summary of Product Characteristics does not include this co-administration and it is therefore not recommended. If the product has been incorrectly administered in this way the patient should be monitored and treated accordingly. All such medication errors and any subsequent adverse events should be reported to Actavis Medical Information, the MHRA (using the
Yellow Card system at www.yellowcard.gov.uk), NPSA and relevant NHS departments.
10. What should I do if an adverse drug reaction occurs after the off-label use of Pipercillin/Tazobactam?
If the product has been incorrectly administered in this way the patient should be monitored and treated accordingly. All such medication errors and any subsequent adverse events should be reported to Actavis Medical Information, the MHRA (using the Yellow Card system at www.yellowcard.gov.uk), NPSA and relevant NHS departments.