Drug Notes

Piperacillin (By injection)

Piperacillin (pi-per-a-SIL-in)

Treats infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

If a dose is missed:

• You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Another antibiotic
  • Methotrexate
  • Probenecid
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Blood thinner (such as warfarin)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any cephalosporin antibiotic.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, or allergies. Also tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet, because this medicine contains sodium.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. This may happen 2 months after you stop using this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Severe diarrhea that may be bloody, especially with fever and stomach cramps
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Swelling, pain, or redness where the IV is place or where the shot was given
• Mild nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017