Indications
Ceftazidime is an injectable antibiotic used in hospital for serious bacterial infections, including:
- Pneumonia and other chest infections, including infections in people with cystic fibrosis
- Complicated urinary tract and kidney infections
- Infections inside the abdomen
- Serious skin, soft tissue, bone and joint infections
- Meningitis and blood infections (septicaemia)
- Fever in people with very low white blood cell counts
It is especially useful against Pseudomonas, a germ that many other antibiotics do not treat.
How It Works
It stops bacteria from building their cell wall, so the bacteria break apart and die.
Dosage and Administration
Ceftazidime is given by a doctor or nurse, as an injection into a vein (drip or slow injection) or into a muscle. The dose and how often it is given depend on the infection, body weight and kidney function, and are decided by the doctor. Use as prescribed. People with kidney problems need lower or less frequent doses.
Interactions
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as Gentamicin and Amikacin) and strong water tablets (such as Furosemide): the risk of kidney damage may increase, so kidney function is checked.
- Chloramphenicol: may reduce the effect of Ceftazidime; they are usually not given together.
- Oral typhoid vaccine: antibiotics can make it less effective.
- Some urine sugar tests may give a false positive result.
Contraindications
Allergy to Ceftazidime or other cephalosporin antibiotics. It is usually avoided in people who have had a severe allergic reaction to Penicillin or other similar antibiotics.
Side Effects
Common: pain or swelling at the injection site, diarrhoea, rash, and changes in blood test results. Less common: headache, dizziness, nausea, and fungal infections such as thrush.
Tell the nurse or doctor at once, or get urgent medical help if at home, if you have:
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Severe or bloody watery diarrhoea, during or after treatment
- Confusion, jerking movements or fits, especially in people with kidney problems
Pregnancy and Lactation
It may be used in pregnancy when the doctor considers it necessary. Small amounts pass into breast milk; breastfeeding can usually continue, but tell the doctor if the baby gets diarrhoea, rash or thrush.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell the doctor about any allergies, kidney disease, or past bowel problems such as colitis.
- Kidney function and blood counts may be checked during long courses.
- Long use can allow other germs, such as fungi, to grow.
Overdose
Overdose is managed in hospital. Too much, especially with kidney problems, can affect the brain and cause confusion or fits. The medicine can be removed by dialysis if needed.
Therapeutic Class
Antibiotic: third-generation cephalosporin (injection).
Storage
Store the unopened vials below 30°C, in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Once mixed, the solution is used promptly or stored as the product leaflet directs.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.