This medication is used to treat a wide variety of
bacterial infections. It is also used before certain surgeries to prevent
bacterial infections. This medication is known as a penicillin-type
antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition,
weight, and response to treatment.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home,
learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care
professional. Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
Give aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin) separately
from this medication. Do not mix together in the same IV
fluid.
For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s)
every day.
Continue to use this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, or dizziness may
occur. If these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- pain/swelling at injection site or arms/legs
- extreme tiredness
- easy bruising/bleeding
- new signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever)
- dark/cloudy urine
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- severe abdominal/stomach pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- seizures
- uncontrolled movements
- confusion
- muscle cramps
- irregular heartbeat
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal
condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur
during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your
doctor right away if you develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or
opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your
doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal
discharge, or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillin or cephalosporin
antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizure disorder
This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition
that could be worsened by an increase in salt intake (such as heart
failure).
Piperacillin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as
typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that
you are using piperacillin before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects
while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
- methotrexate
- tetracyclines
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
seizures, confusion, mental/mood changes (such as
agitation).
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function,
complete blood count) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for
storage details. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.