Piptaz 4.5gm Injection is used to treat:

• Intra-abdominal infections: Including complicated appendicitis and peritonitis.

• Pneumonia: Including hospital-acquired pneumonia and moderate community-acquired pneumonia.

• Skin and skin structure infections: Including cellulitis, abscesses and diabetic foot infections.

• Female pelvic infections: Including infection of the womb lining after childbirth and pelvic inflammatory disease.

• Complicated urinary tract and bloodstream infections: As listed in European product information.

Piptaz is used only for infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. Dosing for children is set by the doctor according to weight and the type of infection.

Piperacillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic. It stops bacteria from building their cell walls, which kills them.

Some bacteria make enzymes called beta-lactamases that break down penicillins. Tazobactam blocks these enzymes, so piperacillin can work against bacteria that would otherwise resist it.

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products you use.

• Probenecid: It slows the removal of piperacillin and tazobactam and prolongs their effect. It should not be combined unless the benefit outweighs the risk.

• Vancomycin: Using vancomycin with piperacillin and tazobactam increases the chance of acute kidney injury, so kidney function is monitored.

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics: These must be prepared and given separately, because mixing can inactivate them. Piptaz can lower tobramycin levels in people on haemodialysis.

• Blood thinners: Heparin and oral anticoagulants can add to the risk of bleeding, so clotting tests are monitored.

• Vecuronium and methotrexate: Piptaz can prolong the muscle-relaxing effect of vecuronium and similar medicines, and it can reduce the removal of methotrexate. Levels and effects are monitored.

• Store the unopened vial below 25°C.

• Protect the vial from light and keep it in the original carton.

• The prepared solution is made by a healthcare professional and used within the time set by the hospital pharmacy. Any unused solution is discarded.

• Do not use the vial after the expiry date.

• Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

Piptaz 4.5gm Injection is given only by a doctor or nurse as an intravenous infusion, usually over at least 30 minutes. The dose, how often it is given and how long treatment lasts depend on the infection, your kidney function and your weight. The dose is reduced in people with reduced kidney function.

• The powder is dissolved and diluted by a healthcare professional using a suitable fluid.

• It is not mixed in the same bag or syringe with other medicines, especially aminoglycoside antibiotics.

• Blood tests for kidney function, blood counts and potassium may be done during treatment.

• Complete the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better.

• Tell your nurse straight away if you feel unwell, itchy or short of breath during the infusion.

Common side effects of Piptaz 4.5gm Injection may include:

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Headache

• Trouble sleeping

• Rash or itching

• Fever

• Pain or swelling at the drip site

Your doctor may also see changes in blood tests, such as liver enzymes, kidney tests or potassium.

Serious side effects

Seek medical attention if you develop:

• A severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash.

• Severe skin reactions, such as blistering, peeling or painful mouth sores.

• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, which can start during treatment or weeks after it ends.

• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

• Fits (seizures), particularly in people with reduced kidney function.

• Passing much less urine, or swelling of the legs or face.

• High fever with swollen glands, tiredness, rash or bruising, which can be signs of a rare immune condition called haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

• Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems or other beta-lactam antibiotics.

• Complete the full course, even if you feel better, to help prevent the infection coming back.

• Report diarrhoea straight away and do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicines without medical advice.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, because the dose is adjusted.

• Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners, vancomycin, methotrexate or probenecid.

• Piptaz contains sodium. Tell your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

• Blood potassium, kidney function and blood counts are checked, so keep all test appointments.

• Piptaz can cause false positive results in some tests, such as urine glucose tests that use copper reduction and the Aspergillus galactomannan test. Mention your treatment to the laboratory.

• Piptaz does not treat viral infections.