Piperacillin

Piperacillin is an antibiotic in the drug class penicillin. It is also a prescription-based injection.

Piperacillin is a penicillin-like drug used to treat certain types of bacterial infections. This drug doesn’t work for cold or flu. Piperacillin should be avoided if you have certain conditions such as clotting disorders or low potassium levels. Inform your healthcare provider if you react to this drug or any other kind of penicillin.

• Piperacillin is given as an injection. It comes in powder form and is then mixed with water before being injected.
• Piperacillin can be injected either into your muscle or blood.
• The dose that is given usually depends on your age, type of infection and whether there is an improvement to your condition or not.
• This drug may be given every 6-8 hours depending on your age.
• The drug should be stored at room temperature so that it is not affected in any way.
• Piperacillin is given by healthcare providers, so you are unlikely to miss a dose or overdose. However, if you think you did, inform your healthcare provider.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Pain at the site of the injection.
• Diarrhoea.
• Headache.
• Rash.
• Seizure.
• Mouth sores.

Do inform your healthcare provider if you notice any of these side effects.

Before taking piperacillin, inform your healthcare provider about any of the following:

• If you have any history of allergic reaction to piperacillin, amoxicillin or any other penicillin.
• The medications that you are currently on. You should include both prescribed and over-the-counter drugs.
• Whether you have conditions like kidney disease, bleeding disorders or cystic fibrosis.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant.
• Before having surgery, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking piperacillin.