CEPTAZ
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for CEPTAZ (CEPTAZ).
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting transpeptidation and causing cell lysis.
| Metabolism | Not significantly metabolized; primarily excreted unchanged in urine via renal tubular secretion. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (80-90% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); biliary/fecal elimination accounts for <10%. |
| Half-life | Approximately 2 hours in patients with normal renal function; prolonged to 3-5 hours in mild-moderate renal impairment and >20 hours in severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min). |
| Protein binding | 17-24% bound primarily to albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.2-0.3 L/kg, indicating distribution primarily into extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | Intramuscular: Approximately 100% (IM administration yields comparable AUC to IV). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate (following bolus); Intramuscular: Peak concentrations achieved within 1-2 hours. |
| Duration of Action | 6-8 hours after IV/IM administration; extended with renal impairment. |
1 to 2 g intravenously every 8 to 12 hours; maximum 6 g per day.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 30-50 mL/min: 1 g every 12 hours; GFR 10-29 mL/min: 1 g every 24 hours; GFR <10 mL/min: 0.5 g every 24 hours. |
| Liver impairment | No adjustment required. |
| Pediatric use | Neonates: 30 mg/kg every 12 hours; Infants and children: 30-50 mg/kg every 8 hours; maximum 6 g per day. |
| Geriatric use | Start at lower end of dosing range; adjust based on renal function (creatinine clearance). |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for CEPTAZ (CEPTAZ).
| Breastfeeding | Ceftazidime is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations. M/P ratio approximately 0.07. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding; monitor infant for diarrhea or rash. |
| Teratogenic Risk | First trimester: Cephalosporins (including ceftazidime) are generally considered low risk; no evidence of major malformations in human studies. Second/third trimester: No known increased fetal risk. Overall FDA pregnancy category B. |
| Fetal Monitoring |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Hypersensitivity reactions: serious and occasionally fatal anaphylactic reactions have been reported. Caution in patients with previous hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactams.
| Serious Effects |
Hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or any component of the formulation; history of anaphylactic reactions to penicillins or other beta-lactams.
| Precautions | Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) reported. Use caution in renal impairment; adjust dose. Potential for cross-allergenicity with penicillins. |
| Food/Dietary | No significant food interactions. Take with or without food. Avoid alcohol during treatment to prevent disulfiram-like reaction. |
Loading safety data…
| Monitor maternal renal function, signs of superinfection, and hypersensitivity reactions. Fetal monitoring not specifically required unless maternal condition warrants. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on human fertility from ceftazidime. Animal studies show no impairment. |
| Clinical Pearls | Ceftazidime (CEPTAZ) requires dose adjustment in renal impairment; CrCl <50 mL/min necessitates extended intervals. Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions, especially in penicillin-allergic patients. Neurological adverse effects (seizures) may occur with high doses or renal impairment. Use with caution in patients with CNS disorders. |
| Patient Advice | Complete the full course even if you feel better. · Report any rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling immediately. · Take medication exactly as prescribed; do not skip doses. · Notify your doctor if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis. |