Piperacillin
Piperacillin Sodium Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
PIPERACILLIN (pi PER a sil in) is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding problems
kidney disease
salt restricted diet
an unusual or allergic reaction to piperacillin, other penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein or injection deep into a muscle. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
birth control pills
certain antibiotics given by injection
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, heparin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
methotrexate
probenecid
vecuronium used for sleep during surgery
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your doctor will monitor your condition and blood work as needed.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose tests. If you use such tests, talk with your health care professional.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
difficulty breathing, wheezing
dizzy, drowsy
fever, chills
pain or difficulty passing urine
red spots on the skin
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures
unusual bleeding, bruising
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
nausea, vomiting
pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert