Zerbaxa

Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Ceftolozane is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from making their protective covering. But, some bacteria can make proteins called beta-lactamases that can break down ceftolozane and cause it to not work well. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects ceftolozane from being broken down by these proteins. This helps ceftolozane work better at fighting infections.

Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam) is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria called Gram-negative bacteria. But, it's specifically used for people in the hospital who have, or who are suspected of having, a severe infection from resistant bacteria. Resistant bacteria are bacteria that are difficult to fight off, even with the use of many antibiotics. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, your provider might give Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam) to you by itself or together with another antibiotic.

Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam) is given as an injection through the vein (intravenously, IV). It's usually administered by a provider in a healthcare setting (e.g., hospital). You'll typically receive an infusion every 8 hours, and each infusion takes about 1 hour.

The typical dose for adults is 1.5 to 3 grams injected through the vein (intravenously, IV) every 8 hours. The dose for children is based on their body weight and is also given IV every 8 hours. Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems. The length of treatment is about 4 to 14 days. Your provider will decide how long you'll need to receive Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam), because it depends on where your infection is and how severe it is.

Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam) is a typically well-tolerated medication and doesn't have many common side effects. Some possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fever, constipation, and difficulty sleeping.