indication

For the treatment of polymicrobial infections.

pharmacology

Piperacillin is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. The name "penicillin" can either refer to several variants of penicillin available, or to the group of antibiotics derived from the penicillins. Piperacillin has in vitro activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of Piperacillin results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through Piperacillin binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Piperacillin is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases.

mechanism of action

By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, Piperacillin inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that Piperacillin interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.

biotransformation

Largely not metabolized.

absorption

Not absorbed following oral administration.

half life

36-72 minutes

route of elimination

As with other penicillins, PIPRACIL is eliminated primarily by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; it is excreted rapidly as unchanged drug in high concentrations in the urine. Because PIPRACIL is excreted by the biliary route as well as by the renal route, it can be used safely in appropriate dosage in patients with severely restricted kidney function.

drug interactions

Atracurium: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Demeclocycline: Possible antagonism of action

Doxacurium chloride: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Doxycycline: Possible antagonism of action

Ethinyl Estradiol: This anti-infectious agent could decrease the effect of the oral contraceptive

Mestranol: This anti-infectious agent could decrease the effect of the oral contraceptive

Methacycline: Possible antagonism of action

Methotrexate: The penicillin increases the effect and toxicity of methotrexate

Metocurine: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Minocycline: Possible antagonism of action

Mivacurium: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Oxytetracycline: Possible antagonism of action

Pancuronium: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Pipecuronium: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Rocuronium: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Rolitetracycline: Possible antagonism of action

Succinylcholine: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Tetracycline: Possible antagonism of action

Tubocurarine: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant

Vecuronium: The agent increases the effect of the muscle relaxant