BROAD-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS WITH BETA-LACTAMASE INHIBITORS

Combining cefoperazone, piperacillin or ticarcillin with the beta-lact amase inhibitors sulbactam, tazobactam or clavulanic acid, respectivel y, results in compounds with activity against a wide range of Gram-pos itive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic organisms, including str ains producing beta-lactamases. Pharmacokinetics of the three combinat ions are similar. Cefoperazone/sulbactam can be given twice daily as o pposed to a minimum of three-times-daily dosing required with the othe r combinations. All 9 combinations have a good safety profile, and may be administered parenterally for the treatment of severe infections i n hospitalized patients, including intra-abdominal, gynaecological, sk in and soft tissue infections. Additional cover may be provided by adm inistering one of these combinations with an aminoglycoside.