Continuous infusion of piperacillin/tazobactam in patients with severe infections: A possible pharmacokinetic optimisation?

Abstract

Piperacillin/Tazobactam is a time-dependent antimicrobial combination (beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor) commonly used in the treatment of severe Gram-negative infections. The optimisation of its time-dependent bactericidal activity via continuous infusion could improve clinical outcomes. Several studies have been realized on the relevance of a continuous infusion, but, to date, no definitive position can be adopted on the matter and a well-designed randomized controlled trial is warranted. In other articles, continuous infusion regimens are also more cost efficient. This article is an update, including the most recent trials about this subject.

Keywords: Beta-lactam; Bêta-lactamine; Infusion; Perfusion; Pharmacocinétique; Pharmacokinetics; Piperacillin; Pipéracilline; Tazobactam.