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Drugs & Medications
Zosyn
What is Zosyn? Zosyn contains a combination of piperacillin and tazobactam. Piperacillin is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Tazobactam is an antibiotic similar to a penicillin that also fights bacteria in the body. Zosyn is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections, bone and joint infections, severe vaginal infections, stomach infections, skin infections, and pneumonia. Zosyn is sometimes given together with other antibiotics. Zosyn may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Important information about Zosyn You should not use Zosyn if you are allergic to piperacillin or tazobactam or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag), ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), ticarcillin (Timentin), or penicillin (Bicillin L-A, PC Pen VK, Pfizerpen), and others. Before using Zosyn tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, low levels of potassium in your blood, cystic fibrosis, a history of allergies, if you are on a low-salt diet, or if you are allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others. Use Zosyn for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Zosyn will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Zosyn may cause bleeding, especially in people with kidney disease or using certain medicines. Tell your doctor if you are using any medication to prevent blood clots such as alteplase (Activase), bivalirudin (Angiomax), clopidogrel (Plavix), dabigatran (Pradaxa), dipyridamole (Persantine, Aggrenox), enoxaparin (Lovenox), fondaparinux (Arixtra), heparin, tenecteplase (TNKase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), tinzaparin (Innohep), warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), and others. Before using Zosyn You should not use Zosyn if you are allergic to piperacillin or tazobactam or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as:
How should I use Zosyn? Use Zosyn exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Zosyn is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine. Zosyn must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 30 minutes to complete. Zosyn must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. Prepare your dose in a syringe, IV bag, or infusion pump only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use Zosyn if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription. Zosyn is usually given for 7 to 10 days, depending on the infection being treated. Follow your doctor's instructions. If you use Zosyn long-term, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly. Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Use Zosyn for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Zosyn will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Zosyn can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Zosyn. Store unmixed medicine and the liquid diluent at cool room temperature. Medicine mixed in an IV bag must be used within 24 hours if you keep it at room temperature. Mixed medicine in an infusion pump must be used within 12 hours if you keep it at room temperature. Mixed medication in an IV bag can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused Zosyn mixture that has not been used within that time. What happens if I miss a dose? Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include severe anxiety, agitation, feeling restless or nervous, or seizure (convulsions). What should I avoid while using Zosyn? Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to. Zosyn side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zosyn: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect while using Zosyn such as:
What other drugs will affect Zosyn? Zosyn may cause bleeding, especially in people with kidney disease or using certain medicines. Tell your doctor if you are using any medication to prevent blood clots, such as:
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