Ceftazidime

Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections such as pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections.
• Urinary tract infections, including complicated infections.
• Skin and soft tissue infections.
• Intra-abdominal infections and biliary tract infections, usually as part of appropriate antibiotic therapy.
• Bloodstream infection or sepsis due to susceptible organisms.
• Bacterial meningitis due to susceptible organisms.
• Bone and joint infections.
• Infections in patients with reduced white blood cells, such as febrile neutropenia, when judged appropriate by a doctor.

Adult dosing depends on the infection site, severity, kidney function, and the suspected or confirmed bacteria. Common adult regimens are given by IV or deep IM injection, often every 8 to 12 hours; higher or more frequent dosing may be required for severe infections such as meningitis or infections caused by Pseudomonas. The exact dose, dosing interval, route, and duration must be decided by the prescribing doctor. Dose adjustment is important in reduced kidney function.

• Injection-site pain, inflammation, or phlebitis.
• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.
• Skin rash, itching, urticaria, or fever.
• Changes in blood tests, including raised liver enzymes, eosinophilia, low white blood cells, low platelets, or positive Coombs test.
• Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur rarely.
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea may indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated colitis.
• Seizures, confusion, or encephalopathy may occur, especially with high doses or kidney impairment.
• Overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungal infection, may occur with prolonged use.

Use with caution in people with a history of allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics; in kidney impairment; in elderly patients; in patients with a history of colitis or severe diarrhoea; and during prolonged therapy where blood, kidney, or liver monitoring may be needed. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics or potent diuretics such as furosemide may increase the risk of kidney-related adverse effects, especially in vulnerable patients.
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin may have an increased bleeding effect; monitoring may be needed.
• Probenecid may reduce renal elimination of some cephalosporins; clinical relevance should be assessed by a doctor.
• Live bacterial vaccines, such as oral typhoid vaccine, may be less effective during antibiotic treatment.
• No major food interaction is expected because this medicine is given by injection.

• Known hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or any component of the injection.
• Previous serious immediate allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to any cephalosporin antibiotic.
• Use is generally avoided in patients with a severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics unless a specialist judges the benefit to outweigh the risk.

Ceftazidime is generally considered usable in pregnancy when clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. It passes into breast milk in small amounts; breastfeeding is usually possible, but the infant should be observed for diarrhoea, rash, or thrush. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should use it only on medical advice.

Store unreconstituted vials as directed on the product label, usually below 25°C to 30°C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution or dilution, use promptly or within the time and conditions stated by the manufacturer or hospital policy. Keep out of the reach of children and do not use if the vial, solution, or expiry date is unsuitable.