Zerbaxa (Ceftolozane And Tazobactam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Zerbaxa Used For?
Zerbaxa is a powerful antibiotic combination that fights serious bacterial infections. It contains two active ingredients that work together to kill bacteria that cause complicated infections.
Primary Uses
Zerbaxa is used to treat complicated abdominal and urinary system infections (including pyelonephritis) in adults and children from birth to less than 18 years. For adults 18 years and older, it also treats nosocomial pneumonia (hospital-acquired lung infections), including ventilator-associated pneumonia.
How It Works
Ceftolozane is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills many types of bacteria. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps ceftolozane work against resistant bacteria. Together, they can kill more types of bacteria than either medicine alone.
Good to know: Zerbaxa is not addictive
How to Take Zerbaxa
Zerbaxa is given only by healthcare professionals through an IV infusion (drip) into your vein. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
For adults: The recommended dose is one or two vials (containing 1000 mg ceftolozane and 500 mg tazobactam) every 8 hours through a 1-hour IV infusion. For children: The dose is calculated based on the child’s weight. For patients with kidney problems: Your doctor may reduce the dose or frequency. Treatment typically lasts 4-14 days depending on infection severity and response.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Atrial fibrillation (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fast heartbeat
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Excessive gas
- Indigestion
- Stomach inflammation
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Hives or itchy rash
- Infusion site reactions (redness, inflammation, pain, itching)
- Vomiting
- Yeast infections (genital or mouth)
- Changes in blood test results
- Shortness of breath
- Rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Nausea
- C. difficile bacteria inflammation of large intestine
- Liver enzyme increases
- Low red blood cell counts
- Ischemic stroke
- Blood clot in vein
- Kidney problems or disease
- Intestinal obstruction
- Seizures
- Muscle twitching or jerking
- Confusion or agitation
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving Zerbaxa. Make sure your healthcare team knows about all your medical conditions and allergies.
Who Should Not Take Zerbaxa
Do not use Zerbaxa if you are allergic to ceftolozane, tazobactam, or any ingredients in this medicine. Also avoid if you are highly allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics (like penicillin) or cephalosporins (like cephalexin). Allergic reactions may include skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have been hypersensitive to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other antibiotics; recently had diarrhea; have difficulty fighting infections; are receiving medicines to fight infections; have neutropenia (low white blood cell count); or have allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will advise whether you should receive Zerbaxa and will discuss the possible risks and benefits.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Zerbaxa or affect how well it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking.
- Probenecid (medicine for gout)
- Diclofenac (medicine for pain and inflammation)
- Cimetidine (medicine for heartburn and stomach ulcers)
Alcohol & Driving
Since Zerbaxa is given in a hospital setting through IV infusion, alcohol and driving considerations are typically managed by your healthcare team during treatment.
Storage
Zerbaxa will be stored by hospital staff in the pharmacy or on the ward. It is kept in its original packaging in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Heat and light can destroy the medicine, so proper storage is essential.
Overdose Information
Since Zerbaxa is given by healthcare professionals, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you have concerns, talk to your doctor immediately. If you think you have received too much, you may need urgent medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment with Zerbaxa normally lasts between 4 and 14 days, depending on the severity and location of your infection and how your body responds to treatment. Your doctor will determine when your treatment should be stopped.
Yes, Zerbaxa can be given to children from birth and older to treat complicated bacterial infections within the abdomen and urinary tract system, including pyelonephritis. The dose for children is calculated by the doctor based on the child’s weight.
No, Zerbaxa is not addictive.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop diarrhea while being given Zerbaxa, even if it occurs several weeks after stopping treatment. This may be a sign of a serious side effect that affects the bowel and you may need urgent medical care.
Your doctor or healthcare professional will give you Zerbaxa through an infusion (a drip for 1 hour) into one of your veins. It goes directly into your bloodstream.
Your doctor may need to reduce the dose of Zerbaxa or how often you receive it if you have kidney problems. Your doctor may also test your blood to make sure your treatment is at the right dose, especially for long-term treatment. Zerbaxa should not be given to children with kidney problems.
Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Zerbaxa, as this information is important for your ongoing care.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.