Nephrotoxicity from Vancomycin Combined with Piperacillin-Tazobactam: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have identified the combination of vancomycin with piperacillin-tazobactam (VPT) to be associated with increased nephrotoxicity. Multiple, large cohort studies have found this widely used combination to have a higher risk of nephrotoxicity than other regimens in a variety of populations.

Summary: This review summarizes the epidemiology and clinical features of VPT-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). Potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon are also discussed. Key Message: VPT-associated nephrotoxicity is a recently recognized clinical entity. Clinical strategies to minimize the risk of toxicity in this setting include antimicrobial stewardship, monitoring of kidney function, and emerging data supporting the potential role for novel biomarkers in predicting and managing AKI.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury; Antimicrobial toxicity; Drug interaction; Drug toxicity; Piperacillin-tazobactam; Vancomycin.