Final answer:
Piperacillin/tazobactam is a combination antibiotic medication that combines piperacillin, a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, with tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, to enhance its effectiveness against bacterial infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Piperacillin/tazobactam is a combination antibiotic medication that is used to treat various bacterial infections. Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that works by interfering with the formation of the bacterial cell wall, while tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that prevents certain enzymes produced by bacteria from breaking down piperacillin. By combining these two drugs, the effectiveness of piperacillin is enhanced, making it more effective against a wider range of bacteria.
For example, in the case of amoxicillin, which is a commonly-prescribed penicillin derivative, resistance to the antibiotic has become a concern. To address this, clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor similar to tazobactam, is often added to amoxicillin to increase its effectiveness and prevent bacterial resistance.
In summary, piperacillin/tazobactam is a combination antibiotic that utilizes the synergistic effects of piperacillin and tazobactam to enhance its effectiveness against bacterial infections, similar to how amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination works.