tazobaktám

Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It is often used in combination with beta-lactam antibiotics such as piperacillin. Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by bacteria that can break down and inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. By inhibiting these enzymes, tazobactam protects the co-administered antibiotic from degradation, thus restoring or enhancing its antibacterial activity.

The combination of piperacillin and tazobactam is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including some that are resistant to piperacillin alone. It is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections. The mechanism of action involves tazobactam irreversibly binding to the active site of bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes, preventing them from cleaving the beta-lactam ring of piperacillin.

Tazobactam itself has minimal intrinsic antibacterial activity. Its therapeutic value is entirely dependent on its synergistic effect with a beta-lactam antibiotic. The drug is typically administered intravenously. Like all medications, it can have side effects, which may include gastrointestinal disturbances, rash, and allergic reactions. Its use is guided by susceptibility testing and clinical guidelines to optimize patient outcomes and combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.