Ceftazidime Pentahydrate

Ceftazidime Pentahydrate is a semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic for parenteral administration. Ceftazidime is bactericidal in action exerting its effect by inhibition of enzymes responsible for cell-wall synthesis. A wide range of gram-negative organisms is susceptible to ceftazidime in vitro, including strains resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides. In addition, ceftazidime has been shown to be active against gram-positive organisms. It is highly stable to most clinically important beta-lactamases, plasmid or chromosomal, which are produced by both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and, consequently, is active against many strains resistant to ampicillin and other cephalosporins.

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (including pneumonia)
• Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Complicated and Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
• Bacterial Septicemia
• Bone and Joint Infections
• Gynecologic Infections (endometritis, pelvic cellulitis)
• Intraabdominal Infections (including peritonitis)
• Central Nervous System Infections (including meningitis)

Ceftazidime is a semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic for parenteral administration. Ceftazidime is bactericidal in action exerting its effect by inhibition of enzymes responsible for cell-wall synthesis. A wide range of gram-negative organisms is susceptible to ceftazidime in vitro, including strains resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides. In addition, ceftazidime has been shown to be active against gram-positive organisms. It is highly stable to most clinically important beta-lactamases, plasmid or chromosomal, which are produced by both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and, consequently, is active against many strains resistant to ampicillin and other cephalosporins.

Ceftazidime inhibits cell-wall synthesis enzymes, preventing bacterial cell wall formation and leading to bacterial death. It is highly stable to most beta-lactamases.

Adult: 1-6 gm/day IV/IM 8 or 12 hourly. For most infections: 1 gm 8 hourly or 2 gm 12 hourly.

Urinary Tract & Less Serious Infections: 500 mg or 1 gm 12 hourly.

Severe Infections (immunocompromised patients): 2 gm 8 or 12 hourly.

Children (over 2 months): 30-100 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses. Up to 150 mg/kg/day (max 6 gm daily) for severe infections.

Neonates & Children up to 2 months: 25-60 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses.

Elderly: Daily dose should not exceed 3 gm (especially over 80 years).

Cystic Fibrosis: 100-150 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses.

Ceftazidime is given intravenously or by deep IM injection into a large muscle mass. Intra-arterial administration should be avoided. For IV/IM administration, Ceftazidime should be reconstituted with the supplied Sterile Water for Injection.

Ceftazidime is an injection medicine given by healthcare professionals. You cannot miss a dose yourself. Do not miss your appointments with your doctor.

Common Side Effects:

• Local reactions at injection site
• Hypersensitivity reactions (pruritus, rash, fever)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
• Central nervous system reactions (headache, dizziness, paresthesia)

Rare Side Effects:

• Angioedema
• Anaphylaxis

• The total daily dosage should be reduced in patients with renal insufficiency.
• Ceftazidime should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
• Caution is required in patients with allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins (cross-reactivity).

• Hypersensitivity to Ceftazidime or the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

No adequate information on drug interactions is available.

Can be taken with or without food. No specific food interactions have been identified.

Pregnancy Category B. No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have been conducted. Should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Ceftazidime is excreted in human milk in low concentrations. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug.

Children (over 2 months): 30-100 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses. Up to 150 mg/kg/day for severe infections.

Neonates & Children up to 2 months: 25-60 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses.

In acutely ill elderly patients, the daily dosage should not normally exceed 3 gm, especially in those over 80 years of age.

Renal impairment: Ceftazidime is excreted by the kidneys. Dose reduction is required in renal insufficiency. May be used in peritoneal dialysis fluid (125-250 mg/2L).

Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment is required for patients with hepatic dysfunction.

Ceftazidime overdosage has occurred in patients with renal failure. Reactions have included seizure activity, encephalopathy, asterixis, neuromuscular excitability, and coma. Patients should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment.

Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions are stable for up to 24 hours if stored between 2°-8°C.

Ceftazidime Pentahydrate