<n0:ComplexDefinition xmlns:n0="http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/xml/owl/EVS/ComplexProperties.xsd#"><n0:def-definition>A drug combination that is used to treat infection in people with cancer. Piperacillin is a synthetic penicillin; tazobactam enhances the effectiveness of piperacillin.</n0:def-definition><n0:def-source>NCI-GLOSS</n0:def-source></n0:ComplexDefinition>
<n0:ComplexDefinition xmlns:n0="http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/xml/owl/EVS/ComplexProperties.xsd#"><n0:def-definition>A combination formulation of the antibiotic piperacillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam with antibacterial activity. Piperacillin, a broad-spectrum, semisynthetic penicillin, binds to and inactivates penicillin-binding proteins (PBP) located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall, thereby interfering with the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains necessary for bacterial cell wall strength and rigidity. As a result, the cell wall is weakened and the cell lyses. Tazobactam, a penicillanic acid sulfone derivative, irreversibly binds to and inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase at or near its active site, thereby preventing the destruction of the beta-lactamase susceptible piperacillin by this bacterial enzyme.</n0:def-definition><n0:def-source>NCI</n0:def-source></n0:ComplexDefinition>