title: Clinical use of beta-lactamase inhibitors in combination with extended-spectrum penicillins.
abstract: The in vitro antimicrobial spectrum of piperacillin-tazobactam is described and the results of clinical trials are summarized. Injectable products combining a beta-lactam antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor have a broad spectrum of activity, principally influenced by the potency of the beta-lactam. Piperacillin-tazobactam can be used for the treatment of infections caused by gram-negative, gram-positive, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria. Appropriate indications include infections caused by mixed flora, such as gynecologic, intra-abdominal, and surgical wound infections. Other infections that appear responsive include those associated with human and animal bites, ischemic or diabetic foot infections, infected ischemic or pressure ulcers, and lower-respiratory-tract infections. Piperacillin-tazobactam has been reported to be superior to ticarcillin-clavulanate in community-acquired lower-respiratory-tract infections and superior to imipenem-cilastatin (at 1.5 g/day of imipenem) in intra-abdominal infection.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D010397:Penicillanic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010878:Piperacillin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D000078142:Tazobactam; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
chemical_list: D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; D010397:Penicillanic Acid; D000078142:Tazobactam; D010878:Piperacillin