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Piperacillin (United States: Not available): Drug information

Piperacillin (United States: Not available): Drug information
(For additional information see "Piperacillin (United States: Not available): Patient drug information")

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions used in Lexicomp (show table)
Pharmacologic Category
  • Antibiotic, Penicillin
Dosing: Adult
Community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia: IM, IV: Usual dosage: 6 to 8 g daily (100 to 125 mg/kg daily) in divided doses every 6 to 12 hours.

Severe infections including gynecologic, intra-abdominal, hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream, and skin/soft tissue

Severe infections including gynecologic, intra-abdominal, hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream, and skin/soft tissue: IV: Usual dosage: 12 to 18 g daily (200 to 300 mg/kg daily) in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours (maximum: 24 g daily).

Urethritis

Urethritis (gonococcal, uncomplicated): IM: 2 g once (Note: Administer probenecid 30 minutes prior to piperacillin).

Urinary tract infection, complicated

Urinary tract infection, complicated: IV: Usual dosage: 8 to 16 g daily (125 to 200 mg/kg daily) in divided doses every 6 to 8 hours.

Urinary tract infection, uncomplicated

Urinary tract infection, uncomplicated: IM, IV: Usual dosage: 6 to 8 g daily (100 to 125 mg/kg daily) in divided doses every 6 to 12 hours.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

IV:

CrCl >40 mL/minute or serum creatinine 1.5 to 3 mg/dL: No dosage adjustment necessary.

CrCl 20-40 mL/minute or serum creatinine 3.1 to 5 mg/dL:

Urinary tract infection (uncomplicated): No dosage adjustment necessary.

Urinary tract infection (complicated): 3 g every 8 hours

Severe systemic infection: 4 g every 8 hours

CrCl <20 mL/minute or serum creatinine >5 mg/dL:

Urinary tract infection (complicated/uncomplicated): 3 g every 12 hours

Severe systemic infection: 4 g every 12 hours

Hemodialysis: Severe systemic infection: 2 g every 8 hours; administer 1 g supplemental dose after each dialysis session; dialyzable (30% to 50%)

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Adult

No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer’s labeling.

Dosing: Pediatric

Note: Not available in the United States. Piperacillin has been discontinued >1 year.

Usual dosage range: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: IM, IV: Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Pediatric

Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, the following have been used by some clinicians (Aronoff 2007): Note: Dosage recommendations are based on the piperacillin component. Dosing based on a usual dose of 200 to 300 mg piperacillin kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours.

GFR >50 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No adjustment required

GFR 30 to 50 mL/minute/1.73 m2: 35 to 50 mg piperacillin/kg/dose every 6 hours

GFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: 35 to 50 mg piperacillin/kg/dose every 8 hours

Intermittent hemodialysis (IHD): Removed by hemodialysis; dosing adjustment suggested

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Pediatric

There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer’s labeling; based on experience with piperacillin/tazobactam, no adjustment necessary.

Dosing: Older Adult

Refer to adult dosing. Dosage adjustment may be necessary for renal impairment.

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Dosage Forms: Canada

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Solution Reconstituted, Injection:

Generic: 2 g ([DSC]); 3 g ([DSC]); 4 g ([DSC])

Product Availability

Not available in the US

Administration: Adult

IV: Rapid administration can lead to seizures. Administer by IV injection over 3 to 5 minutes or by intermittent infusion over 20 minutes to 2 hours.

IM: IM injection should be administered into the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks. Do not administer more than 2 g per IM injection site.

Administration: Pediatric

IM: Administer into the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks (gluteus maximus). Do not administer more than 2 g per injection site.

IV:

Bolus: Administer slow IV over 3 to 5 minutes to avoid vein irritation. Rapid administration can lead to seizures.

Intermittent infusion: Administer over 20 to 30 minutes; however, longer infusion times (eg, 2 hours) may be used.

Use: Labeled Indications

Note: Not approved in the United States.

Infection: Treatment of infection caused by susceptible gram-negative/gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including intra-abdominal infection, bloodstream infection, lower respiratory tract infection, skin and soft tissue infection, bone and joint infection, gynecological infection, urinary tract infection (complicated and uncomplicated), and urethritis (uncomplicated); may also be used to treat mixed infections due to susceptible streptococci.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Local thrombophlebitis

Central nervous system: Confusion, drowsiness, myoclonus, seizure

Dermatologic: Skin rash, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria

Endocrine & metabolic: Electrolyte disturbance, hypokalemia

Hematologic & oncologic: Abnormal platelet aggregation (high doses), agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, pancytopenia, positive direct Coombs test, prolonged prothrombin time (high doses)

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reaction

Immunologic: Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

Renal: Acute interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure

Miscellaneous: Fever

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any of the penicillins and/or cephalosporins or any component of the formulation; hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type (when reconstituted with lidocaine for IM use)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity reactions: Serious and occasionally severe or fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactoid) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy, especially with a history of beta-lactam hypersensitivity, history of sensitivity to multiple allergens, or previous IgE-mediated reactions (eg, anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria). Use with caution in asthmatic patients. Discontinue if hypersensitivity occurs; initiate appropriate rescue treatment for serious hypersensitivity reactions.

• Bleeding disorders: Particularly in patients with renal impairment, bleeding disorders have been observed; discontinue if thrombocytopenia or bleeding occurs.

• Leukopenia/neutropenia: During prolonged use, leukopenia and neutropenia have been reported.

• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment.

Disease-related concerns:

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution particularly in sodium-restricted patients receiving prolonged therapy; formulation contains 42.5 mg of sodium per gram. Monitor electrolyte status and cardiac function with prolonged therapy.

• Cystic fibrosis: An increased frequency of fever and rash has been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis.

• Infectious mononucleosis: Patients with infectious mononucleosis have developed rash during therapy with other penicillins (eg, ampicillin, amoxicillin).

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, due to sodium load and adverse effects (hematologic, neuropsychological changes); dosage adjustment recommended.

• Seizure disorders: High drug levels, particularly in the presence of renal impairment, may increase risk of seizures. Use with caution in patients with a history of seizure disorder.

• Syphilis: Symptoms of syphilis may be masked or delayed in patients receiving high-dose antimicrobial treatment of gonorrhea; patients with gonorrhea should be evaluated for syphilis prior to initiating antimicrobial treatment and if syphilis is suspected, continue serologic testing monthly for at least 4 months.

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of OAT1/3; Inhibits OAT1/3

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Acemetacin: May increase the serum concentration of Penicillins. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Aminoglycosides: Penicillins may decrease the serum concentration of Aminoglycosides. Primarily associated with extended spectrum penicillins, and patients with renal dysfunction. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Bacillus clausii: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Bacillus clausii. Management: Bacillus clausii should be taken in between antibiotic doses during concomitant therapy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

BCG (Intravesical): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Risk X: Avoid combination

BCG Vaccine (Immunization): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG Vaccine (Immunization). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cholera Vaccine: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Cholera Vaccine. Management: Avoid cholera vaccine in patients receiving systemic antibiotics, and within 14 days following the use of oral or parenteral antibiotics. Risk X: Avoid combination

Clofarabine: OAT1/3 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Clofarabine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Dichlorphenamide: Penicillins may enhance the hypokalemic effect of Dichlorphenamide. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Dichlorphenamide: OAT1/3 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Dichlorphenamide. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Flucloxacillin: Piperacillin may increase the serum concentration of Flucloxacillin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lactobacillus and Estriol: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus and Estriol. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Methotrexate: Penicillins may increase the serum concentration of Methotrexate. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Mycophenolate: Penicillins may decrease serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Mycophenolate. This effect appears to be the result of impaired enterohepatic recirculation. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Probenecid: May increase the serum concentration of Penicillins. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Sodium Benzoate: Penicillins may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sodium Benzoate. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Sodium Picosulfate: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sodium Picosulfate. Management: Consider using an alternative product for bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy in patients who have recently used or are concurrently using an antibiotic. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Tetracyclines: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Penicillins. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Typhoid Vaccine: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Typhoid Vaccine. Only the live attenuated Ty21a strain is affected. Management: Avoid use of live attenuated typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) in patients being treated with systemic antibacterial agents. Postpone vaccination until 3 days after cessation of antibiotics and avoid starting antibiotics within 3 days of last vaccine dose. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Vancomycin: Piperacillin may enhance the nephrotoxic effect of Vancomycin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Vecuronium: Piperacillin may enhance the neuromuscular-blocking effect of Vecuronium. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Penicillins may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pregnancy Considerations

Piperacillin crosses the placenta and distributes into the amniotic fluid (Brown 1990; Heikkilä 1991).

Due to pregnancy-induced physiologic changes, some pharmacokinetic parameters of piperacillin may be altered. At term, the apparent volume of distribution of piperacillin is increased and peak concentrations are significantly lower. Total clearance is normal to increased at term (Heikkilä 1991; Voight 1985). These changes continue into the early postpartum period (Charles 1985; Martens 1987).

As a class, penicillin antibiotics are widely used in pregnant women. Based on available data, penicillin antibiotics are generally considered compatible for use during pregnancy (Ailes 2016; Bookstaver 2015; Crider 2009; Damkier 2019; Lamont 2014; Muanda 2017a; Muanda 2017b).

Antibiotic prophylaxis with piperacillin may be appropriate for the prevention of endocarditis for patients undergoing obstetric and gynecologic procedures (consult current recommendations) (SOGC [Van Eyk 2018]; SOGC [van Schalkwyk 2017]).

Breastfeeding Considerations

Piperacillin is present in breast milk.

The manufacturer reports small amounts of piperacillin are present in breast milk and recommends that caution be exercised when administering piperacillin to nursing women. In general, antibiotics that are present in breast milk may cause nondose-related modification of bowel flora. Monitor infants for GI disturbances, such as thrush or diarrhea (WHO 2002).

Dietary Considerations

Sodium content of 1 g: 1.85 mEq (42.5 mg)

Monitoring Parameters

Observe for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis during first dose; with extended therapy consider monitoring of electrolytes and cardiac status (patients with impaired cardiac function), serum creatinine, BUN, hepatic function, and CBC.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs); which in turn inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, thus inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis. Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes (autolysins and murein hydrolases) while cell wall assembly is arrested.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IM: Rapid

Protein binding: ~16%

Half-life elimination (dose dependent; prolonged with renal impairment): Adults: ~1 hour (decreased in patients with cystic fibrosis)

Time to peak, serum: IM: 30 minutes

Excretion: Primarily urine; partially feces

Brand Names: International
  • Acopex (KR);
  • Cilpier (IT);
  • Ecosette (IT);
  • Isipen (HR, PL);
  • Pentcillin (JP);
  • Peracillin (KR);
  • Picillin (IT);
  • Picillina (TW);
  • Pipcil (LU);
  • Piperacillin (PL);
  • Pipracil (IN, TH);
  • Pipraks (CY, IQ, IR, JO, LB, LY, OM, SY, YE);
  • Pipril (AE, GR, HN, HR, IE, PK, SA);
  • Pitamycin (HK, TW);
  • Prisutomycin (TW);
  • Semipenil (IT)


For country code abbreviations (show table)
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  2. Aronoff GR, Bennett WM, Berns JS, et al. Drug Prescribing in Renal Failure: Dosing Guidelines for Adults and Children, 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Physicians; 2007.
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  21. Piperacillin [product monograph]. Kirkland, Quebec, Canada: Hospira Healthcare Corporation; March 2018.
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