Ceftazidime Drug Profile

What is Ceftazidime?

Ceftazidime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the third-generation cephalosporin class of medications. It is administered intravenously or intramuscularly to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria. This medication is commonly used in hospital settings for severe infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Uses

Ceftazidime is approved for treating several types of serious bacterial infections:

• Pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections: Effective against bacterial pneumonia, including hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative bacteria
• Urinary tract infections: Used for complicated UTIs and kidney infections (pyelonephritis) caused by resistant bacterial strains
• Skin and soft tissue infections: Treats severe skin infections, wound infections, and cellulitis caused by susceptible bacteria
• Intra-abdominal infections: Used for peritonitis and other serious abdominal infections, often in combination with other antibiotics
• Septicemia: Treats bloodstream infections and sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria, particularly in immunocompromised patients

How it works

Ceftazidime works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, specifically targeting enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins that are essential for building the bacterial cell wall. When bacteria cannot properly construct their cell walls, they become weakened and eventually die. This mechanism makes ceftazidime particularly effective against rapidly dividing bacteria, especially gram-negative species that are often resistant to other antibiotics.

Side effects

Common side effects include:

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• Pain, swelling, or inflammation at injection site
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Skin rash or itching
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Changes in blood cell counts

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) with difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe rash
• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can be life-threatening
• Severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Seizures or other neurological symptoms
• Severe blood disorders affecting white blood cells or platelets

Warnings and precautions

• Kidney function monitoring: Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with kidney impairment, and kidney function should be monitored during treatment
• Allergy history: Patients with known allergies to cephalosporins or penicillins should use ceftazidime with extreme caution, as cross-reactivity can occur
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B; should only be used when clearly needed and under medical supervision
• Antibiotic resistance: Should only be used for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections to prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria
• Superinfections: Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi

Interactions

• Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin): May increase risk of kidney toxicity when used together
• Loop diuretics (furosemide): Concurrent use may enhance kidney toxicity
• Probenecid: Can increase and prolong ceftazidime blood levels by blocking kidney elimination
• Warfarin: May enhance anticoagulant effects, requiring more frequent INR monitoring
• Live vaccines: Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines
• Chloramphenicol: May antagonize the bactericidal effects of ceftazidime
• Other nephrotoxic drugs: Combined use with other kidney-toxic medications increases risk of kidney damage
• Alcohol: While not directly interacting, alcohol should be avoided as it may worsen side effects and impair immune function

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Dosage

Typical adult dosages range from 1 to 2 grams administered intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 to 12 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection. For serious infections, doses may be increased up to 6 grams per day in divided doses. Treatment duration typically ranges from 7 to 14 days but may be longer for complex infections. Dosage adjustments are required for patients with kidney impairment. All dosing decisions should be made by a healthcare provider based on individual patient factors, infection severity, and bacterial susceptibility testing.

Sources: FDA DailyMed drug labels (public domain), BNF, WHO Essential Medicines List. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

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