What it's for (Indications)
- Treatment of severe infections including bacteremia, septicemia, peritonitis, meningitis, and infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Also indicated for critical care patients (e.
- g.
- , infected burns), respiratory system infections (especially lung infections in cystic fibrosis), ears, nose, and throat infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections (including uncomplicated), gastrointestinal, biliary tract, and abdominal infections, bone and joint infections.
- Can be used for infection prevention after surgery.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | Ceftazidime is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosage and route are determined by the susceptibility of the causative organisms, infection severity, and the patient's condition and renal function. **Adults (Usual Recommended Dosage):** 1 gram IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours. **Specific Adult Indications:** * **Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection:** 250 mg IV or IM every 12 hours. * **Bone and Joint Infections:** 2 grams IV every 12 hours. **Pediatric Patients:** Higher doses may be reserved for immunocompromised pediatric patients or pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or meningitis. **Renal Impairment:** The dose must be reduced in patients with kidney problems. **Administration Notes:** Ceftazidime should be combined with a diluent before use; further dilution may be required for the administered dose. Patients self-administering injections must fully learn appropriate preparation and storage. Bacteriologic cures may not be expected in patients with chronic respiratory disease and cystic fibrosis, despite clinical improvement. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common adverse reactions include local effects at the injection site such as pain, inflammation, irritation, phlebitis, or a hard swelling.
- Hypersensitivity reactions can manifest as itching, rash, or hives.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea are also reported.
- Other side effects include fever, headache, oral or vaginal candidiasis, vaginal discharge, disorders decreasing white blood cell counts (neutropenia, leucopenia), increased liver enzymes and blood urea, and a positive Coombs' test.
- Severe but infrequent reactions include toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: None
- **Administration:** A rapid bolus intravenous injection via a central venous line has been associated with potentially fatal arrhythmia; caution is advised.
- To reduce local irritation, infusion sites should be switched.
- **Hypersensitivity:** Patients with a history of penicillin allergy should proceed with caution.
- Inactive chemicals within the product may cause hypersensitive reactions.
- **Gastrointestinal:** Use with caution in patients with a history of colitis.
- **Renal Impairment:** Dose adjustment is required in patients with kidney disease.
- **Hepatic Impairment:** Available data suggest no dose adjustment is required in mild-to-moderate liver disease.
- **Pregnancy:** Use only if absolutely necessary and the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
- Medical advice should be sought.
- **Lactation:** Excreted in minimal amounts into breast milk, unlikely to affect a nursing infant.
- Should only be taken if the benefit outweighs the risk to the baby.
- Consult a doctor.
- **Driving:** Dizziness is a possible side effect that may impair the ability to drive; do not drive or operate machinery unless certain of no impact.
- **Superinfection:** Extended or repeated therapy may lead to fungal or bacterial overgrowth by non-susceptible microorganisms.
- **Hematologic:** Granulocytopenia has been linked to long-term therapy.
- **Severe Skin Reactions:** Potentially severe skin reactions (e.
- g.
- , toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme) can occur weeks or months after initiation.
- Patients experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms with a rash (purple or red, potentially developing into ulcers or peeling skin, or appearing on cheeks, lips, or lymph nodes) should contact their doctor immediately.
- **Vaccinations:** Ceftazidime may impair the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (e.
- g.
- , typhoid vaccine).
- Do not undergo immunizations or vaccines without consulting a doctor.
- **Bleeding Disorders:** Inform your doctor if you have bleeding disorders.
- **Monitoring:** Monitor complete blood counts during long-term therapy.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Ceftazidime is a bactericidal agent that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. It demonstrates activity in the presence of certain beta-lactamases (both penicillinases and cephalosporinases) produced by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.