Zosyn is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary system, bone, stomach, vagina, skin and lungs. According to Drugs.com, it is a combination of two drugs: piperacillin and tazobactam. Typically, Zosyn is given as an intravenous (through your vein) infusion of 3.375g every six hours or as your doctor instructs. Zosyn, like any medication, can have side effects.
Frequent Side Effects
In a North American Clinical Trial of 1,063 patients receiving Zosyn, the National Library of Medicine Reports that 11.3 percent of patients developed diarrhea, 7.7 percent developed headaches and constipation, 6.9 percent experienced nausea, 6.6 percent had trouble sleeping and 4.4 percent developed a rash. In this same study, 3.3 percent vomited and had indigestion, 3.1 percent developed itchiness (pruritus), 2.4 percent had changes in their stool and 1.2 percent developed anxiety. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms do not subside on their own.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com warns that serious side effects include bloody or watery diarrhea, convulsions, dry mouth and fever. Zosyn can also cause weakness, confusion, frequent urination, light-headedness and fainting. Other serious side effects include tachycardia (fast heartbeat), muscle pain, body aches and unusual bleeding or bruising. Go to your local emergency room if you have these symptoms.
Additional Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Zosyn can also cause bradycardia (slow heartbeat), abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial or ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Zosyn can also cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack), melena (black stools), tinnitus (sensation of ringing in the ears), urinary retention or incontinence and vaginitis (type of infection of your vagina).
Zosyn can cause a diarrheal condition called pseudomembranous colitis. This is caused by the Clostridium dificile bacteria and can lead to severe and foul-smelling diarrhea.
Other Concerns
Avoid Zosyn if you are allergic to pipercillin, tazobactam or any penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin or ampicillin, warns Drugs.com. You may develop problems breathing, swelling of your face and tongue or hives.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, bleeding disorders, cystic fibrosis (lung disease of increased mucus production) or hypokalemia (low potassium). Your doctor may have to adjust your dosage to prevent the aforementioned side effects.
Drugs.com recommends you tell your doctor if you are taking such medications such as probenecid, amikacin, gentamycin or alteplase. These medications may interact with Zosyn and cause such side effects as nausea or vomiting.
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