Tazobactam
Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that is combined with piperacillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic. This combination is used to treat a variety of serious bacterial infections when the bacteria produce enzymes (beta-lactamases) that would otherwise resist treatment. Tazobactam protects piperacillin from being broken down, allowing it to effectively kill susceptible bacteria.
Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor used in combination with piperacillin to treat serious bacterial infections by preventing antibiotic resistance.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01CG02
- RxNorm
- 37617
- Generic
- Tazobactam
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Zerbaxa, Zosyn
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Piperacillin/tazobactam is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, abdomen, and female reproductive organs, as well as septicemia (blood poisoning) and infections in neutropenic patients. It is reserved for cases where bacteria are suspected or confirmed to produce beta-lactamase enzymes.
Tazobactam inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria, which normally break down and inactivate penicillin-type antibiotics. By inhibiting these resistance enzymes, tazobactam allows piperacillin to remain active and kill susceptible bacteria by interfering with their cell wall synthesis.
This combination should only be used for infections confirmed or strongly suspected to be caused by beta-lactamase producing organisms. Patients with penicillin allergies should not use this medication. Common side effects may include diarrhea, headache, insomnia, and skin reactions. Nephrotoxicity and bleeding abnormalities have been reported, particularly with prolonged use.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy