PIPERACILLIN-TAZOBACTAM - A NEW BETA-LACTAM-BETA-LACTAMASE INHIBITOR COMBINATION

We reviewed the spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical effic acy, adverse effects, and relative advantages of piperacillin-tazobact am, a new beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor. Piperacillin-tazobacta m has a wide spectrum of activity that includes gram-positive organism s such as staphylococci and streptococci, as well as many gram-negativ e aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The combination distributes rapidly after parenteral administration and penetrates well into skin, lung, a nd intestinal mucosa. Compared with other beta-lactam-beta-lactamase i nhibitor combinations, piperacillin-tazobactam has comparable efficacy in the treatment of intraabdominal infections, skin and soft tissue i nfections, and upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It may ha ve better in vitro activity than the currently available combinations against selective bacteria that produce class I beta-lactamases (Richm ond-Sykes classification). The combination is well tolerated, with dia rrhea being the most common reported adverse effect. Additional contro lled trials and clinical experience are required to define its role in clinical practice.