What Is The Difference Between Zosyn And Avycaz For Patients

Posted on Thu, 25 Apr 2019

Question: What is the difference between Zosyn and Avycaz for patients who develop pnemonia whilea in the hospital on a ventilator? Is one better or quicker or safer than the other?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Different usage

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.

I can understand your concern.

Zocyn (Piperacillin/tazobactam), is a combination medication containing the antibiotic piperacillin and the β-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam. The combination has activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Avycaz (Ceftazidime/avibactam) is a combination drug composed of ceftazidime, a cephalosporin antibiotic, and avibactam, a β-lactamase inhibitor. It is used for the treatment of serious mainly gram-positive bacteria

So the first has a wider spectrum of antibacterial effect. It is not related to the safety or which is stronger The first is more used in severe infection like ventilator-associated pneumonia or patients on the ventilator. The second is mainly used for hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Hope to have been helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee