The Basics
What is Piperacillin and Tazobactam?
A penicillin used to treat pneumonia and skin, gynecological, and abdominal infections caused by bacteria.
Brand names for Piperacillin and Tazobactam
Zosyn
How Piperacillin and Tazobactam is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Penicillins
Piperacillin and Tazobactam During Pregnancy
Piperacillin and Tazobactam pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Piperacillin and Tazobactam while pregnant
Piperacillin and tazobactam cross the placenta in humans. However, there are insufficient data with piperacillin and/or tazobactam in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. No fetal structural abnormalities were observed in rats or mice when piperacillin/tazobactam was administered intravenously during organogenesis at doses 1 to 2 times and 2 to 3 times the human dose of piperacillin and tazobactam, respectively, based on body-surface area (mg/m2). However, fetotoxicity in the presence of maternal toxicity was observed in developmental toxicity and peri/postnatal studies conducted in rats (intraperitoneal administration prior to mating and throughout gestation or from gestation day 17 through lactation day 21) at doses less than the maximum recommended human daily dose based on body-surface area (mg/m2) . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Taking Piperacillin and Tazobactam While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Piperacillin and Tazobactam?
Limited information indicates that piperacillin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Tazobactam has not been studied in nursing mothers. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that piperacillin produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Tazobactam has not been studied in nursing mothers. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated.
Possible effects of Piperacillin and Tazobactam on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Piperacillin and Tazobactam
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Baier R, Wolnik L, Puppel H et al. Piperacillin concentrations in milk and serum from lactating women. Proc ICAAC. 1982;203. Abstract 779.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
