Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of piperacillin-tazobactam
Yoshiro Hayashi1, Jason A Roberts, David L Paterson
1University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia.
Importance Of The Field:
Piperacillin-tazobactam is a frequently prescribed intravenous antibiotic for moderate to severe infections used in hospital settings because of its broad activity against many pathogenic bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, its pharmacokinetics (PK) can be significantly altered in a variety of states.
Areas Covered In This Review:
This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of the PK of piperacillin-tazobactam in different patient populations. The pharmacodynamics (PD) of piperacillin-tazobactam is also discussed.
What The Reader Will Gain:
The importance of appropriate antibiotic dosing in the context of the global tendency for reduced susceptibility of bacteria, including P. aeruginosa is emphasized. The interrelationship between PK and PD is discussed to provide an understanding of methods for procuring dosing regimens that increase the likelihood of clinical success for individual patients. Alternative dosing regimens, which may include administration by extended or continuous infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam as a mechanism to increase the likelihood of pharmacodynamic target attainment, are described.
Take Home Message:
Where piperacillin-tazobactam is required for treatment, applying knowledge of PK and PD characteristics can facilitate optimal outcomes.
Insights
Understanding piperacillin-tazobactam pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) is crucial for optimizing treatment of severe infections. Tailoring dosing regimens based on PK/PD can improve clinical success and combat rising bacterial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Piperacillin-tazobactam is a vital intravenous antibiotic for moderate to severe bacterial infections.
- Its broad-spectrum activity includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but its pharmacokinetic profile is variable.
- Altered pharmacokinetics (PK) necessitates careful consideration in diverse patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the pharmacokinetics (PK) of piperacillin-tazobactam across various patient groups.
- To discuss the pharmacodynamics (PD) of piperacillin-tazobactam.
- To highlight strategies for optimizing antibiotic dosing.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of piperacillin-tazobactam PK and PD.
- Analysis of factors influencing PK variability.
- Discussion of dosing strategies and their impact on clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Emphasizes the need for appropriate dosing due to increasing bacterial resistance, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Explains the PK/PD relationship to guide dosing for improved patient success.
- Describes alternative dosing methods like extended or continuous infusion for enhanced target attainment.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of piperacillin-tazobactam PK and PD is essential for effective treatment.
- Optimizing dosing regimens can lead to better clinical outcomes.
- Individualized therapy based on PK/PD principles is key to successful treatment.
More Related Videos
09:17A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
Published on: January 2, 2017
06:08Evaluation of Drug Sorption to PVC- and Non-PVC-based Tubes in Administration Sets Using a Pump
Published on: March 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Measurement of Bioavailability: Pharmacokinetic Methods
Pharmacodynamic Models: Overview
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations
Measurement of Bioavailability: Pharmacodynamic Methods
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Problems
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion