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Brand name: Piperacillin (Douglas) TM

Active ingredients: piperacillin

What it is used for

Piperacillin sodium is indicated for the treatment of systemic and local infections due to susceptible Gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Its efficacy has also been demonstrated in infections caused by some carbenicillin resistant organisms. Appropriate cultures should be made before initiating treatment. Therapy may be started while awaiting results of susceptibility testing. Treatment should be adjusted, if necessary, when results of testing become available. Piperacillin sodium is indicated for prophylactic use in surgery including intra-abdominal (gastrointestinal and urinary tract) procedures, vaginal hysterectomy, and caesarean section. Efficacy has not been demonstrated in biliary tract procedures. Effective prophylaxis depends on the time of administration; Piperacillin sodium should be given 1/2 to 1 hour before the operation so that effective levels can be achieved in the wound prior to the procedure. The exception to this rule is in caesarean section where Piperacillin sodium should be administered after clamping the umbilical cord. Types of Infection: Piperacillin sodium is recommended for the treatment of the following types of infection caused by one or more susceptible pathogens. Severe systemic infections, including bacterial septicaemia, endocarditis. Genitourinary tract infections (complicated and uncomplicated), including urethritis, cystitis and pyelonephritis. It is also effective in acute, uncomplicated infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Respiratory tract infections (acute and chronic), including bronchitis, pneumonia, empyema and lung abscess. In patients with chronic respiratory infections or cystic fibrosis, clinical improvement has been achieved but bacterial eradication may not occur. Ear, nose, throat and oral cavity infections. Intra-abdominal infections, including those of the biliary tract and intra-abdominal abscess. Gynaecological and obstetric infections, including endometritis, pelvic abscess and inflammation, salpingitis and puerperal infections. Skin and skin structure infections, including those following infected wounds and burns, surgery and trauma. Bone and joint infections. Piperacillin sodium should be used at reduced dosage in adults with severely restricted kidney function (see Dosage and Administration). Combined Therapy with other Antibiotics. Aminoglycosides. Based on in-vitro synergism and clinical results, combined therapy with piperacillin and aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg amikacin) may be used in the treatment of serious infections caused by such organisms as Klebsiella, indole-positive Proteus, Pseudomonas and Serratia. Both Piperacillin and the respective aminoglycoside should be given at the full therapeutic dose. Cephalosporins. If Piperacillin sodium is proposed to be administered concomitantly with a cephalosporin, an additive, synergistic or antagonistic antibacterial action of the two antibiotics should first be ascertained through in-vitro tests. Based on in-vitro data, cefoxitin should not be given with piperacillin. Piperacillin sodium has not been shown to be physically compatible with cephalosporins when mixed in the same infusion fluid. NOTE: Whenever Piperacillin sodium is administered concurrently with another antibiotic, they should not be mixed in the same solution but must be administered separately.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

White to off-white powder.

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient piperacillin

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Download leaflet

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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