Antibiotic (Penicillin + Beta-lactamase inhibitor combination)
Brand of Piperacillin; Tazobactam
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Piperacillin/Tazobactam is a strong antibiotic injection that combines two medicines — piperacillin kills bacteria, while tazobactam helps piperacillin work better by stopping bacteria from defending themselves against it.
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking; tazobactam irreversibly inhibits bacterial beta-lactamases, preventing antibiotic degradation and extending piperacillin's spectrum against resistant gram-negative and anaerobic organisms.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is not a drug you take at home by yourself — it is given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital through a vein (IV drip). The usual adult dose is 4.5g (4g piperacillin + 0.5g tazobactam) given every 6 to 8 hours. The drip usually runs for 30 minutes. Your doctor will decide the exact dose and how long you need it based on how serious your infection is.
Since this drug is given by hospital staff on a schedule, missed doses are unlikely. If a dose is delayed, the medical team will give it as soon as possible and adjust the schedule. Do not try to double up doses.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
This is a hospital-only drug — do not attempt to buy and use it at home or from roadside sellers, as incorrect use can cause serious harm and breed resistant bacteria. Always complete the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you start feeling better, otherwise the infection can come back stronger. If you develop diarrhoea during or after treatment, tell your doctor immediately — do not take anti-diarrhoea medicine on your own.
It can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin or heparin, so your doctor needs to monitor you closely. Methotrexate (used for cancer or arthritis) levels can increase dangerously when combined with this drug. Probenecid (used for gout) can cause piperacillin to stay in the body too long, increasing side effects.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Piperacillin with your other drugs?
This drug should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if your doctor decides the benefit is greater than the risk — always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Store the unopened powder in a cool, dry place below 25°C — away from direct sunlight and humidity. Nigerian heat can damage this drug, so proper storage is important. Once mixed with fluid for injection, it should be used quickly as directed by the pharmacist. Keep out of reach of children at all times.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Genuine packaging for Piperacillin/Tazobactam Sandoz 4.5 g
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NAFDAC Number
B4-4127
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