CEFTAZIDIME SODIUM IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
Probenecid may decrease cephalosporin excretion May cause diarrhea including Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
Ceftazidime inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), specifically PBP3, inhibiting transpeptidase activity and disrupting peptidoglycan cross-linking, leading to cell lysis and death.
| Metabolism | Ceftazidime is not metabolized; it is excreted unchanged in the urine primarily by glomerular filtration. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (80–90% unchanged via glomerular filtration); biliary/fecal <1%. |
| Half-life | 1.5–2.0 hours in normal renal function; prolonged to 15–30 hours in ESRD. |
| Protein binding | Approximately 17%; primarily to albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.2–0.3 L/kg; distributes mainly into extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | 100% IV; IM 95%. |
| Onset of Action | IV: Rapid; therapeutic levels within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | 6–8 hours for susceptible organisms; adjust with renal impairment. |
1-2 g IV every 8 hours for pseudomonal infections; 500 mg to 1 g IV every 8-12 hours for uncomplicated UTIs.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 31-50 mL/min: 1 g IV every 12 hours; GFR 16-30 mL/min: 1 g IV every 24 hours; GFR 6-15 mL/min: 500 mg IV every 24 hours; GFR <5 mL/min: 500 mg IV every 48 hours. |
| Liver impairment | No dose adjustment required for hepatic impairment; monitor for adverse effects. |
| Pediatric use | Neonates 0-4 weeks: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours; Infants and children >1 month: 30-50 mg/kg IV every 8 hours, maximum 6 g/day. |
| Geriatric use | Dose based on renal function; consider decreased creatinine clearance and increased risk of neurotoxicity; use weight-based calculations if underweight. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Probenecid may decrease cephalosporin excretion May cause diarrhea including Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
| FDA category | Human |
| Breastfeeding | Ceftazidime is excreted into human breast milk in low concentrations. M/P ratio is approximately 0.01-0.03. It is considered compatible with breastfeeding due to poor oral bioavailability in infants; however, monitor for potential gastrointestinal effects (e.g., diarrhea, candidiasis). |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA black box warning.
| Common Effects | Diarrhea |
| Serious Effects |
["Hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or any component of the formulation","Hypersensitivity to other cephalosporins (absolute contraindication in patients with immediate hypersensitivity reactions; caution in delayed-type reactions)"]
| Precautions | ["Hypersensitivity reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported","Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD): May range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis","Neurological adverse effects: Seizures, encephalopathy, coma, myoclonus, and neuromuscular excitability, especially in patients with renal impairment","Renal impairment: Dose adjustment required; monitor renal function","Hematologic effects: Prolonged prothrombin time, bleeding; monitor in patients with vitamin K deficiency or severe hepatic disease","Superinfection: May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including Enterococcus and fungi","Drug interactions: Avoid concurrent administration with aminoglycosides in the same IV line; synergistic with aminoglycosides against some strains of Pseudomonas"] |
Loading safety data…
| Ceftazidime is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. No teratogenic effects have been reported in first, second, or third trimester exposures. Use only if clearly needed. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal renal function and signs of hypersensitivity or superinfection. Fetal monitoring is not specifically required but standard obstetric monitoring is recommended during treatment. |
| Fertility Effects | No adverse effects on fertility have been reported in animal studies. Human data are lacking; however, ceftazidime is not expected to impair male or female reproductive function. |
| Food/Dietary | No known food interactions. No dietary restrictions. |
| Clinical Pearls | Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin with potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has poor activity against gram-positive organisms and anaerobes. Monitor renal function and adjust dose in renal impairment. Avoid in patients with cephalosporin allergy; caution with penicillin allergy. Can cause false-positive urine glucose tests. |
| Patient Advice | Take exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better. · Complete the full course of therapy. · Report any signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, difficulty breathing). · May cause diarrhea; notify doctor if severe or persistent. · This medication is given intravenously; do not use at home unless trained. |