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Zosyn (TAZOBACTAM)
Zosyn works by blocking bacterial enzymes that break down antibiotics, allowing the antibiotics to kill bacteria more effectively.
Zosyn (TAZOBACTAM) is a beta-lactamase inhibitor developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. It is a small molecule that works by inhibiting bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics. Zosyn is approved to treat a range of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, pyelonephritis, and appendicitis. The drug is still patented and manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. Key safety considerations include its short half-life of 0.97 hours and potential allergic reactions.
At a glance
| Generic name | TAZOBACTAM |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. |
| Drug class | beta Lactamase Inhibitor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1993 |
Mechanism of action
ZOSYN is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Approved indications
- Abdominal abscess
- Abscess of liver
- Acute pyelonephritis
- Appendicitis
- Bacterial cystitis
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Bacterial pyelonephritis
- Bacteroides Appendicitis
- Bacteroides Complicated Appendicitis
- Bacteroides Peritonitis
- Cholecystitis
- Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infection
- Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
- Diabetic Foot Infection
- E. Coli Appendicitis
- E. Coli Complicated Appendicitis
- E. Coli Endometritis
- E. Coli Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- E. Coli Peritonitis
- Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia
Boxed warnings
- PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE-NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia
- Abdominal pain
- Candidiasis
Key clinical trials
- Safety and Efficacy Study of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam to Treat Ventilated Nosocomial Pneumonia (MK-7625A-008) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Extended and Intermittent Infusion of Beta-lactams in Critically Ill Paediatric Patients (PHASE4)
- Early Versus Late Stopping of Antibiotics in Children With Cancer and High-risk Febrile Neutropenia (PHASE4)
- Subcutaneous Piperacillin/Tazobactam Compared With Intravenous Treatment (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of the Achievement of a Pharmacodynamic Target of Piperacillin-Tazobactam for the Population With Obesity (PHASE4)
- SYN-004 Safety and Tolerability in Allo-HCT Subjects (PHASE1,PHASE2)
- Aminoglycosides in Early Sepsis (PHASE4)
- Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infection Oral Antibiotic Therapy Trial (NA)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Zosyn CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Zosyn updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. portfolio CI