Home Drug Guide Ceftazidime

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Ceftazidime

Brand Names Fortaz, Ceptaz, Tazidime, Tazicef, Pentacef

Classification

Therapeutic: Antibiotic, Third-generation cephalosporin

Pharmacological: Beta-lactam antibiotic

FDA Approved Indications

Respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infections
Skin and soft tissue infections
Intra-abdominal infections
Bone and joint infections
Septicemia

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, leading to cell lysis and death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typical dose ranges from 1-2 grams every 8-12 hours IV or IM, adjusted based on severity and site of infection.

Pediatric: Dosing varies based on weight and age; generally, 50-100 mg/kg/day divided every 8-12 hours.

Geriatric: Use with caution; adjust dose based on renal function.

Renal Impairment: Dose reduction required; dosing guidelines depend on creatinine clearance.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustment required.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poor oral absorption; administered parenterally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues and body fluids.

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism.

Excretion: Primarily unchanged in urine.

Half Life: Approx. 2 hours.

Contraindications

Known allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins.

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; monitor renal function.
Potential for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Pain at injection site (Common)
Diarrhea (Common)
Rash (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Anaphylactic reactions (Rare)
Seizures, especially with impaired renal function or high doses (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Aminoglycosides may increase nephrotoxicity when used with ceftazidime.
Probenecid delays renal excretion of ceftazidime.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for allergic reactions, renal function, and signs of superinfection.

Diagnoses:

Risk for allergic reactions
Impaired renal function
Risk for superinfection.

Implementation: Administer IV/IM as prescribed; monitor renal function and signs of hypersensitivity; assess infection response.

Evaluation: Resolution of infection symptoms, stability of renal parameters, absence of adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

Report symptoms of allergic reaction immediately.
Complete prescribed course of therapy.
Notify healthcare provider of any new or worsening symptoms.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Antibiotic-associated colitis, including C. difficile diarrhea, can occur.
Use with caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to beta-lactams.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic testing required.

Lab Test Interference: Possible false positive coombs test.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Seizures, neurological symptoms in case of overdose.

Treatment: Supportive care, maintain hydration, possibly dialysis in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store vials at 20-25°C (68-77°F), protected from light.

Stability: Stable until the expiration date when stored properly.