Ceftazidime

Ceftazidime for injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, including pneumonia, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Pseudomonas spp.; Haemophilus influenzae, including ampicillin-resistant strains; Klebsiella spp.; Enterobacter spp.; Proteus mirabilis; Escherichia coli; Serratia spp.; Citrobacter spp.; Streptococcus pneumoniae; and Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains). …

• Dosage The usual adult dosage is 1 gram administered intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 to 12 hours
• The dosage and route should be determined by the susceptibility of the causative organisms, the severity of infection, and the condition and renal function of the patient
• The guidelines for dosage of ceftazidime for injection are listed in Table 3
• The following dosage schedule is recommended
• Table 3
• Recommended Dosage Schedule *Although clinical improvement has been shown, bacteriologic cures cannot be expected in patients with chronic respiratory disease and cystic fibrosis. **The higher dose should be reserved for immunocompromised
• Pediatric patients or pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or meningitis
• Dose Frequency Adult Usual recommended dosage 1 gram intravenous or intramuscular every 8 to 12 hours Uncomplicated urinary tract infection 250 mg intravenous or intramuscular every 12 hours Bone and joint infections 2 grams intravenous every 12 hours Complicated urinary tract infections 500 mg intravenous or intramuscular every 8 to 12 hours Uncomplicated pneumonia; mild skin and skin-structure infections 500 mg to 1 gram intravenous or intramuscular every 8 hours Serious gynecological and intra-abdominal infections 2 grams intravenous every 8 hours Meningitis 2 grams intravenous every 8 hours Very severe life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised patients 2 grams intravenous every 8 hours Lung infections caused by Pseudomonas spp. …

See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .

Of the 2,221 subjects who received ceftazidime in 11 clinical studies, 824 (37%) were 65 and older while 391 (18%) were 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater susceptibility of some older individuals to drug effects cannot be rul …

• Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including ceftazidime for injection, should only be used to treat bacterial infections
• They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold)
• When ceftazidime for injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. …

Ceftazidime for injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or the cephalosporin group of antibacterial drugs.

Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins with aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs or potent diuretics such as furosemide. Renal function should be carefully monitored, especially if higher dosages of the aminoglycosides are to be administered or if therapy is prolonged, because of the potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity were not noted when ceftazidime was given alone in clinical trials. …

BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFTAZIDIME FOR INJECTION IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFTAZIDIME, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. IF THIS PRODUCT IS TO BE GIVEN TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED BECAUSE CROSS-HYPERSENSITIVITY AMONG BETA-LACTAM ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AND MAY OCCUR IN UP TO 10% OF PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN ALLERGY. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFTAZIDIME FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. …

Ceftazidime is generally well tolerated. The incidence of adverse reactions associated with the administration of ceftazidime was low in clinical trials. The most common were local reactions following IV injection and allergic and gastrointestinal reactions. Other adverse reactions were encountered infrequently. No disulfiram-like reactions were reported. The following adverse effects from clinical trials were considered to be either related to ceftazidime therapy or were of uncertain etiology: Local Effects, reported in fewer than 2% of patients, were phlebitis and inflammation at the site of injection (1 in 69 patients). …

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 40 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to ceftazidime for injection. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. …

Ceftazidime overdosage has occurred in patients with renal failure. Reactions have included seizure activity, encephalopathy, asterixis, neuromuscular excitability, and coma. Patients who receive an acute overdosage should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment. In the presence of renal insufficiency, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may aid in the removal of ceftazidime from the body.

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.