Clinical evaluation of piperacillin therapy for infection.

Piperacillin sodium, a semisynthetic penicillin that inhibits many Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa organisms resistant to carbenicillin, was used to treat 41 episodes of infection in 35 patients. Infectious sites included lungs, urinary tract, and tissue, including peritonitis. Seven patients had bacteremia. Clinical and bacteriological cures were achieved in 85% of infections. Cure was achieved with piperacillin in patients infected with carbenicillin-resistant P aeruginosa and Klebsiella organisms. Adverse effects were minor and included rash in two patients. Serum levels were easily maintained above the inhibitory levels for susceptible organisms. Piperacillin was a safe, well-tolerated, and effective antimicrobial agent.