Tazobactam is a penicillanic acid sulfone derivative and beta-lactamase inhibitor with antibacterial activity. Tazobactam was discovered by Dr. R.G. Micetech at the University of Alberta in 1982. Tazobactam contains a beta-lactam ring and irreversibly binds to beta-lactamase at or near its active site. This protects other beta-lactam antibiotics from beta-lactamase catalysis. This drug is used in conjunction with beta-lactamase susceptible penicillins to treat infections caused by beta-lactamase producing organisms.

Tazobactam alone showed an MIC of ≤ 8 mg/liter (range 2 to 32 mg/liter) against several Acinetobacter baumannii strains. Tazobactam in combination with piperacillin, successfully restored the activity of piperacillin against β-lactamase-producing bacteria. Tazobactam exhibited inhibitory activity and protected piperacillin against Richmond and Sykes types II, III, IV and V β-lactamases, staphylococcal penicillinase and extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Tazobactam showed species-specific activity against class I chromosomally-mediated enzymes.

TOKU-E offers two forms of tazobactam: tazobactam (T001) and tazobactam sodium (T031). Tazobactam is slightly soluble in aqueous solution (9.59 mg/mL). Tazobactam sodium is freely soluble in aqueous solution.

CAS Number

89786-04-9

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₁₂N₄O₅S

Molecular Weight

300.29

Mechanism of Action

Tazobactam contains a beta-lactam ring that binds strongly to beta-lactamase at or near its activation site, thereby permanently inhibiting enzymatic activity. This action protects other beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, etc.) from beta-lactamase catalysis, thereby enhancing their antibacterial activity.

Storage Conditions

2-8°C

Tariff Code

2941.10.5000

Spectrum

Tazobactamexhibits little useful antimicrobial activity, although weak activity againstAcinetobacterspp. andBorrelia burgdorferihas been reported.

Tazobactaminhibits a wide range of β-lactamases, including the group 2 penicillinases fromStaph. aureus, the TEM-1 and SHV-1 β-lactamases, many extended-spectrum enzymes, and the common group 2e cephalosporinases ofB. fragilis.Against the group 1 cephalosporinases, activity is strongly influenced by the amount of enzyme produced. The inhibitor-resistant group 2br β-lactamases are poorly inhibited and group 3 metallo-β-lactamases are not inhibited at clinically useful levels. It is a poor inducer of β-lactamases of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.