The Zosyn injection is an antibiotic combination of piperacillin and tazobactam. It is given three to four times a day and takes about 30 minutes on the intravenous fluid drip.
Zosyn Uses
The antibiotic is given for use against conditions like gynecological infections, stomach infections, skin infections, and pneumonia. It is sometimes given for other types of infections, on advice from your doctor. It works by eliminating the bacteria that causes these types of infections.
Zosyn Side Effects
The combination of tazobactam and piperacillin may cause certain side effects including gas, diarrhea, abnormal taste, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, insomnia, or constipation. Serious side effects that may occur include a rash, swelling, itching skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, and shortness of breath. Any of these should be reported immediately to your doctor.
Zosyn Precautions
You should discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to piperacillin, penicillin, cephalosporins, or other drugs. If you are taking any nonprescription or prescription medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements, your doctor should be made aware prior to taking this medication. Your doctor needs to know if you have or have had hay fever, colitis, asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Catheter-related Infections
Being given this combination antibiotic through an intravenous catheter means there is a risk of catheter-related infections. If you are taking this medication in the vein you need to be aware of the signs of a this type of infection and tell your doctor right away if any of these signs occur. There can be pain, swelling, redness, drainage, tenderness, warmth, and irritation at the site where the needle enters the vein.
Combination antibiotics are used as a sort of one-two punch against infections, treating the same infection a bit differently in hopes of eradicating the infection completely. If you have been prescribed Zosyn let your doctor know of any allergies you have and any medication you are currently taking for the best results from this medication.
Source: Medline Plus, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a694003.html