Front Desk: 469-391-0070
Ceftazidime Antibiotic: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Treatment
Summary or Key Points
Ceftazidime is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and meningitis. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and works by preventing bacterial growth. Typically administered through injection, Ceftazidime is often used in hospital settings. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose. For personalized care, consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with us.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Fortaz
Generic Name: Ceftazidime
The generic name refers to the chemical composition of the medication, while the brand name is assigned by the manufacturer. The generic name is listed in parentheses.
Pharmacologic Category
Cephalosporin (Third Generation)
Ceftazidime Dosage and Treatment
Ceftazidime is prescribed for a wide range of bacterial infections. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dose. If you have questions about your treatment, our telemedicine providers are available to assist you.
Ceftazidime for Pneumonia
For adults with pneumonia, the typical dose is 1 to 2 grams of Ceftazidime, administered intravenously (IV) every 8 hours. Treatment usually lasts between 7 and 14 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
Ceftazidime for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
The usual dose for UTIs is 500 mg to 1 gram IV every 8 to 12 hours. Treatment typically lasts 7 to 10 days.
Ceftazidime for Meningitis
For bacterial meningitis, the recommended dose is 2 grams IV every 8 hours. Treatment duration generally ranges from 7 to 21 days, depending on the severity and the specific bacteria involved.
Ceftazidime for Skin Infections
For skin and soft tissue infections, the typical dose is 1 gram IV every 8 hours. Treatment usually lasts between 7 and 14 days.
Ceftazidime for Bone Infections
For bone infections, the usual dose is 2 grams IV every 8 hours. Treatment may last 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.
Ceftazidime for Intra-abdominal Infections
The typical dose for intra-abdominal infections is 2 grams IV every 8 hours. Treatment generally lasts 7 to 14 days.
Ceftazidime for Sepsis
For sepsis, the recommended dose is 2 grams IV every 8 hours. Treatment duration depends on the severity of the condition and may last 7 to 14 days or longer.
Ceftazidime for Endocarditis
For endocarditis, the usual dose is 2 grams IV every 8 hours. Treatment typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks.
Ceftazidime for Respiratory Tract Infections
For respiratory tract infections, the dose is typically 1 to 2 grams IV every 8 hours. Treatment generally lasts 7 to 14 days.
Ceftazidime for Bacteremia
For bacteremia, the typical dose is 2 grams IV every 8 hours. The duration of treatment depends on the source of the infection and may last 7 to 14 days or longer.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Injection, powder for reconstitution: 500 mg, 1 gram, 2 grams
Injection, solution: 1 gram, 2 grams
How to Administer Ceftazidime
Ceftazidime is administered by injection, either intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). It is typically given in a hospital or clinical setting by a healthcare professional. If you are administering it at home, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Be sure to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is fully treated. If you have any questions about administering Ceftazidime, schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for guidance.
Ceftazidime Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Like all medications, Ceftazidime can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of potential reactions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe or unusual symptoms.
Common Side Effects (1-10%):
- Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools are common with antibiotics. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea or vomiting.
- Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may occur.
Less Common Side Effects (0.1-1%):
- Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, and swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat, may occur. Seek medical attention if these symptoms arise.
- Headache: Some patients may experience mild to moderate headaches.
- Dizziness: Lightheadedness or dizziness may occur in some individuals.
Rare Side Effects (<0.1%):
- Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis): This life-threatening reaction requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and a rapid drop in blood pressure.
- Seizures: In rare cases, Ceftazidime may cause seizures, particularly in patients with kidney issues.
- Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea: This serious form of diarrhea is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe diarrhea.
Contraindications for Ceftazidime
Contraindications refer to specific conditions where a medication should not be used due to potential harm. For Ceftazidime, certain conditions may pose serious health risks.
- Allergy to cephalosporins: If you are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics, taking Ceftazidime could trigger a severe allergic reaction, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Severe penicillin allergy: Some individuals allergic to penicillin may also react to cephalosporins, including Ceftazidime, potentially leading to a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
- Kidney disease: Ceftazidime is processed by the kidneys. If you have severe kidney disease, your body may struggle to eliminate the drug, leading to toxic levels.
- History of gastrointestinal disease: If you have a history of gastrointestinal conditions like colitis, Ceftazidime may worsen your symptoms or cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
Drug to Drug Interactions
Ceftazidime, like many antibiotics, can interact with other medications, potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid harmful interactions with Ceftazidime.
Probenecid (Probalan): This medication can raise Ceftazidime levels in your blood, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
Furosemide (Lasix): This diuretic may elevate the risk of kidney damage when used alongside Ceftazidime.
Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin, Tobramycin): When combined with Ceftazidime, these antibiotics can heighten the risk of kidney toxicity.
Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): Ceftazidime may amplify the effects of blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Ceftazidime in Pregnancy
Is it safe to take Ceftazidime during pregnancy?
Ceftazidime is classified as a Category B drug by the FDA for use during pregnancy. This means that animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking Ceftazidime with your healthcare provider. In some cases, the benefits of treating a serious infection may outweigh any potential risks to the baby.
Ceftazidime while Breastfeeding
Is it safe to take Ceftazidime while breastfeeding?
Ceftazidime is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. While it is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, there is a potential risk of side effects in the nursing infant, such as diarrhea or allergic reactions. If you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks of continuing Ceftazidime. Your provider may also recommend monitoring your baby for any signs of side effects.
Estimated Cost of Ceftazidime Medication
The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Ceftazidime without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the pharmacy and dosage. Prices may vary, so it’s a good idea to check with your local pharmacy or use a discount service like GoodRX to find the best price for Ceftazidime.
Possible Alternatives to Ceftazidime
If Ceftazidime is not the right medication for you, there are alternative treatments available for various bacterial infections. Always discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider, and consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to explore your options.
Pneumonia: Alternatives include antibiotics like Azithromycin or Levofloxacin. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and staying up-to-date on vaccinations, can also help prevent pneumonia.
Urinary tract infection (UTI): Nitrofurantoin or Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole are common alternatives. Drinking plenty of water and practicing good hygiene can help prevent future UTIs.
Meningitis: Depending on the cause, Vancomycin or Ceftriaxone may be used. Early treatment is crucial, so seek medical attention immediately if you suspect meningitis.
Skin infections: For mild infections, oral antibiotics like Cephalexin or Clindamycin may be used. Keeping the skin clean and avoiding irritants can help prevent skin infections.
Bone infections (Osteomyelitis): Alternatives may include Vancomycin or Linezolid. In severe cases, surgery may also be required.
Intra-abdominal infections: Metronidazole or Piperacillin-Tazobactam are possible alternatives. Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol can support overall digestive health.
Sepsis: Treatment depends on the underlying infection, but alternatives may include broad-spectrum antibiotics like Meropenem. Early intervention is critical in managing sepsis.
Endocarditis: Depending on the bacteria involved, alternatives like Vancomycin or Gentamicin may be used. Good dental hygiene can help prevent certain types of endocarditis.
Respiratory tract infections: Amoxicillin or Doxycycline may be used as alternatives. Avoiding smoking and managing allergies can help prevent respiratory infections.
Bacteremia: Treatment is based on the source of the infection, but alternatives may include Ceftriaxone or Piperacillin-Tazobactam. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications.
Recent Updates on Ceftazidime Research
Recent studies have focused on the use of Ceftazidime in combination with other antibiotics to treat multi-drug resistant infections. One promising area of research is the combination of Ceftazidime with Avibactam, which has shown effectiveness in treating infections caused by resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This combination is particularly beneficial for patients with limited treatment options due to antibiotic resistance.
Ongoing studies are also investigating the effectiveness of Ceftazidime in treating infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants. These studies aim to determine the safest and most effective dosing strategies for these vulnerable populations.
As always, consult your healthcare provider about the latest research and how it may impact your treatment plan. If you have any questions or concerns, our telemedicine providers are available to help you navigate your options.
