PARENTERAL BETA-LACTAMASE INHIBITOR COMBINATIONS FOR CLINICAL USE

Beta-lactamase enzymes are commonly produced by staphylococci, the Ent erobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and certain anaerobic organism s, such as Bacteroides fragilis. The production of beta lactamases is an important mechanism through which bacteria become resistant to anti biotics. The currently marketed beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations include ampicillin-sulbactam, ticarcillin-clavulanate potassium and, m ore recently, piperacillin-tazobactam. These extended spectrum antibio tic combinations share the ability to inhibit methicillin-susceptible staphylococci, nearly all anaerobic bacteria and many Enterobacteriace ae. Ticarcillin-clavulanate potassium and piperacillin-tazobactam also have activity against P. aeruginosa. The combination agents are usefu l in the treatment of moderate to severe infections, particularly when a polymicrobial etiology is suspected or documented.