Is piperacillin/tazobactam sodium-injection safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

No evidence of fetal harm has been reported from use of piperacillin/tazobactam, piperacillin alone, and tazobactam alone in mice and rats (animal studies). Piperacillin/tazobactam is known to cross the placenta. Piperacillin/tazobactam is approved for the treatment of postpartum infections. As with all medications, piperacillin/tazobactam should be used cautiously in pregnancy. Potential benefits of treatment should be weighed against any potential risk to the fetus. Piperacillin and tazobactam is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C.

Piperacillin is excreted into human milk in small amounts. Excretion of tazobactam in human milk has not been studied. Due to the lack of safety data, piperacillin/tazobactam should be used cautiously in females who are breastfeeding.

What else should I know about piperacillin/tazobactam sodium-injection?

What preparations of piperacillin/tazobactam sodium-injection are available?

• Piperacillin and tazobactam for injection is supplied as a powder for reconstitution (mixing).
• Powder for solution for injection: 2.25, 3.375, 4.5, 40.5 g

How should I keep piperacillin/tazobactam sodium-injection stored?

Piperacillin and tazobactam vials should be stored at controlled room temperature, between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), before reconstitution.

Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing information.

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