Piperacillin
Brands: Pipracil, Zosyn
Piperacillin is an antibiotic used in pets to treat serious bacterial infections.
Used for
- bacterial infections
- skin infections
- respiratory infections
How it is given
- Administration
- injection
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Duration
- typically 7-14 days, as prescribed
- Storage
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and light.
- Pregnancy safety
- caution
Always confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian before giving any medicine.
Typical dose ranges
cat
- Standard
- 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
dog
- Large dogs
- 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
- Small dogs
- 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
- Medium dogs
- 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
Ranges are reference only. Your vet sets the dose for your pet's weight and condition.
Active ingredients
- Piperacillin
Side effects
Common
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Rare
- Allergic reactions
Severe
- Anaphylaxis
Do not use when
- Allergy to penicillin
- Severe kidney disease
Interacts with
- Probenecid
- Aminoglycosides
Warnings
- Monitor for allergic reactions
- Use with caution in renal impairment
Piperacillin questions
Can Piperacillin be used in pregnant pets?
Use with caution and only under veterinary supervision.
Is Piperacillin safe for long-term use?
It is generally used for short-term treatment of acute infections.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Administer as soon as possible, but skip if it's close to the next dose.
Can humans use pet Piperacillin?
No, medications for pets and humans should not be interchanged.
How quickly does Piperacillin work?
Improvement is typically seen within a few days of treatment.
Full drug detail
Overview
Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. It belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and is known for its effectiveness against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
How It Works
Piperacillin works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, which leads to the death of the bacteria. It is particularly effective against bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Uses & Indications
Piperacillin is primarily used to treat severe bacterial infections such as skin infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal infections. It is often reserved for cases where other antibiotics have failed.
Dosage Guidelines
Dogs
- Small dogs: 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
- Medium dogs: 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
- Large dogs: 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
Cats
- Standard: 20-40 mg/kg every 8 hours
Administration
Piperacillin is typically administered via injection by a veterinarian.
Side Effects
Common
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Rare
- Allergic reactions
Severe
- Anaphylaxis (requires immediate veterinary attention)
Precautions & Warnings
Piperacillin should not be used in animals with a known allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. Use with caution in animals with kidney disease.
Drug Interactions
- Probenecid: May increase Piperacillin levels
- Aminoglycosides: May enhance nephrotoxic effects
Storage
Store Piperacillin at room temperature away from moisture and direct light. Follow specific storage instructions provided by the veterinarian.
FAQ
- Can Piperacillin be used in pregnant pets? Use with caution and only under veterinary supervision.
- Is Piperacillin safe for long-term use? It is generally used for short-term treatment of acute infections.
- What should I do if I miss a dose? Administer as soon as possible, but skip if it's close to the next dose.
- Can humans use pet Piperacillin? No, medications for pets and humans should not be interchanged.
- How quickly does Piperacillin work? Improvement is typically seen within a few days of treatment.