Penetration of piperacillin/tazobactam into gynecologic tissues following a single loading dose prior to hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine plasma and pelvic tissue concentrations of piperacillin/tazobactam following a single intravenous administration. METHODS: Plasma and tissue samples were obtained following administration of 3 g of piperacillin and 0.375 g of tazobactam. Concentrations of these agents were determined by chromatography. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations (mean +/-SD) for piperacillin/tazobactam were 208 +/- 87/27 +/- 8 and 95 +/- 53/14 +/- 2, respectively, at 30 and 60 min after the start of the infusion. The 8:1 ratio between piperacillin and tazobactam in plasma remained constant for up to 96 min. Tissue concentrations yielded a broader range, but each agent achieved significant penetration in each of the tissues studied. CONCLUSIONS: Piperacillin/tazobactam demonstrates favorable penetration in female genital tract tissues and Should be considered a potentially effective agent for female pelvic infections.