Tazicef 1gm Inj, 1 Vial
It is used to treat bacterial infections.
Drug Class
Antibiotic
Pharmacologic Class
Third-generation cephalosporin
Pregnancy Category
Category B
FDA Approved
Jul 1983
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Ceftazidime is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including severe infections of the lungs, skin, urinary tract, and blood. It works by killing the bacteria that cause these infections.
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. This medication is administered either as an injection into a muscle or as an intravenous infusion, which is given into a vein over a period of time. In some cases, it may be administered as a rapid injection into a vein.
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage procedures.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to determine the best course of action.
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage procedures.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to determine the best course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early can lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Stay well-hydrated unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
- Avoid alcohol consumption if you experience gastrointestinal upset, though no direct interaction is known.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
1 to 2 grams IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours
Dose Range:
1000 - 2000 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections:
250 mg IV or IM every 8 hours
Complicated urinary tract infections:
500 mg IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours
Uncomplicated pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections:
500 mg to 1 gram IV or IM every 8 hours
Bone and joint infections:
2 grams IV every 12 hours
Severe infections (e.g., septicemia, bacterial meningitis, serious lower respiratory tract infections):
2 grams IV every 8 hours
Cystic fibrosis (pulmonary infections):
30 to 50 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (max 6 grams/day)
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
0-4 weeks: 30 mg/kg IV every 12 hours (for infants ≤ 1200 g and 0-7 days old) or 30 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (for infants > 1200 g or > 7 days old)
Infant:
1 month to 12 years: 30 to 50 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (maximum 6 grams per day)
Child:
1 month to 12 years: 30 to 50 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (maximum 6 grams per day)
Adolescent:
12 years and older: Refer to adult dosing (1 to 2 grams IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
CrCl 31-50 mL/min: 1 gram every 12 hours
Moderate:
CrCl 16-30 mL/min: 1 gram every 24 hours
Severe:
CrCl 6-15 mL/min: 500 mg every 24 hours
Dialysis:
CrCl < 5 mL/min: 500 mg every 48 hours. Administer a loading dose of 1 gram, then 1 gram after each hemodialysis session. Peritoneal dialysis: 500 mg every 24 hours, or 250 mg added to each 2-liter exchange of dialysis fluid.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Ceftazidime is a bactericidal antibiotic that acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, which interferes with the transpeptidation reaction of peptidoglycan synthesis, a crucial step in bacterial cell wall formation. This leads to the disruption of the cell wall, resulting in bacterial lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
100% (IV), 90-95% (IM)
Tmax:
0.5-1 hour (IM)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (parenteral administration)
Distribution:
Vd:
0.21-0.28 L/kg
ProteinBinding:
10-17%
CnssPenetration:
Yes (especially with inflamed meninges)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
1.8-2 hours (normal renal function)
Clearance:
Approximately 100-120 mL/min/1.73m²
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (primarily glomerular filtration)
Unchanged:
80-90%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Rapid (within minutes of IV administration)
PeakEffect:
Within 1 hour (IV), 1-2 hours (IM)
DurationOfAction:
Dose-dependent, typically allows for 8-12 hour dosing intervals based on time above MIC (T>MIC)
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis), such as:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
Dark urine or yellow skin and eyes
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat
Vaginal itching or discharge
Severe diarrhea, which can be a sign of a condition called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This can lead to a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools, contact your doctor right away.
If you have kidney problems, you may be at risk for seizures, confusion, shakiness, muscle twitching, or difficulty controlling body movements. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, and some may not have any side effects at all. However, if you notice any of the following side effects, contact your doctor if they bother you or do not go away:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Stomach pain
* Irritation at the injection site
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis), such as:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
Dark urine or yellow skin and eyes
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat
Vaginal itching or discharge
Severe diarrhea, which can be a sign of a condition called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This can lead to a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools, contact your doctor right away.
If you have kidney problems, you may be at risk for seizures, confusion, shakiness, muscle twitching, or difficulty controlling body movements. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, and some may not have any side effects at all. However, if you notice any of the following side effects, contact your doctor if they bother you or do not go away:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Stomach pain
* Irritation at the injection site
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing.
- Severe or watery diarrhea, especially if it contains blood or mucus (may indicate C. difficile infection).
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Seizures or changes in mental status.
- Signs of kidney problems: decreased urination, swelling in ankles/feet.
- New signs of infection (e.g., fever, sore throat) that may indicate a superinfection.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking chloramphenicol.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your existing health problems
Before starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so. This will help prevent potential interactions and ensure the safe use of this medication.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking chloramphenicol.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your existing health problems
Before starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so. This will help prevent potential interactions and ensure the safe use of this medication.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.
If you have diabetes and regularly test your urine for glucose, consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable testing method for you, as this medication may affect the accuracy of certain tests. Additionally, be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may interfere with the results of some lab tests.
Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of developing a secondary infection. Older adults (65 years and older) should use this medication with caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
If you have diabetes and regularly test your urine for glucose, consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable testing method for you, as this medication may affect the accuracy of certain tests. Additionally, be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may interfere with the results of some lab tests.
Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of developing a secondary infection. Older adults (65 years and older) should use this medication with caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Seizures
- Encephalopathy (confusion, altered consciousness)
- Neuromuscular excitability
- Asterixis
What to Do:
In case of overdose, contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Hemodialysis may be useful in removing ceftazidime from the body.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin): Increased risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Monitor renal function closely.
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): May increase serum concentrations of ceftazidime. Monitor for increased adverse effects.
Moderate Interactions
- Oral contraceptives: Theoretical reduction in efficacy due to alteration of gut flora. Advise backup contraception.
- Warfarin: Rare reports of increased INR/bleeding risk. Monitor INR if co-administered.
- Probenecid: Decreases renal tubular secretion of ceftazidime, leading to increased and prolonged serum concentrations. Generally not recommended for co-administration.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Allergy history (especially to penicillins or other cephalosporins)
Rationale: To prevent severe hypersensitivity reactions
Timing: Prior to first dose
Renal function (serum creatinine, BUN, CrCl)
Rationale: Ceftazidime is primarily renally eliminated; dosing adjustments are necessary in renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Renal function (serum creatinine, BUN)
Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those receiving concomitant nephrotoxic drugs
Target: Within patient's baseline or acceptable limits
Action Threshold: Significant increase from baseline; adjust dose accordingly
Signs and symptoms of superinfection (e.g., oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea)
Frequency: Daily during therapy and for several weeks post-therapy
Target: Absence of new infections
Action Threshold: Presence of new or worsening symptoms; consider appropriate treatment
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
Frequency: Periodically, especially during prolonged therapy (>10 days)
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant abnormalities (e.g., eosinophilia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia); discontinue if severe
Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
Frequency: Periodically, especially during prolonged therapy
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant elevation; evaluate for drug-induced liver injury
Symptom Monitoring
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Fever
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Injection site reactions (pain, inflammation)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Ceftazidime is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Animal reproduction studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
No evidence of increased risk of major birth defects.
Second Trimester:
No evidence of increased risk of major birth defects.
Third Trimester:
No evidence of increased risk of major birth defects or adverse outcomes.
Lactation
Ceftazidime is excreted in human milk in low concentrations. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions.
Infant Risk:
Low risk of adverse effects; potential for alteration of gut flora, candidiasis, or hypersensitivity reactions.
Pediatric Use
Ceftazidime is widely used in pediatric patients, including neonates, infants, and children. Dosing is weight-based and adjusted for age and renal function. Close monitoring for adverse effects is important, especially in neonates.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is required based solely on age, but elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function. Renal function should be assessed, and dosage adjusted accordingly to prevent accumulation and toxicity.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Ceftazidime has excellent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it a key agent for treating serious Gram-negative infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with cystic fibrosis.
- It has limited activity against Gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes compared to other cephalosporins, so it is often used in combination with other agents if broad-spectrum coverage is needed.
- Administer IV doses slowly over 20-30 minutes to minimize vein irritation.
- Ensure proper hydration, especially in patients at risk for renal impairment.
- Monitor for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can occur during or even several weeks after antibiotic therapy.
Alternative Therapies
- Other anti-pseudomonal beta-lactams (e.g., piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, imipenem/cilastatin, doripenem)
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., amikacin, tobramycin, gentamicin) - often used in combination with beta-lactams for severe Gram-negative infections.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) - for susceptible Gram-negative infections.
- Other third-generation cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone, cefotaxime) - if Pseudomonas coverage is not required.
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely by brand, generic, and pharmacy. Typically $10-$50 per 1g vial for generic. per 1g vial
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or Tier 2 (for generic), Tier 3 or higher (for brand)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance.
To ensure safe use, do not share your medication with others, and never take someone else's medication. Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion.
Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is crucial. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult with your pharmacist, who can provide guidance on the best approach. Additionally, you may want to explore drug take-back programs available in your area.
Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide critical information, including the name of the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, to ensure prompt and effective treatment.
To ensure safe use, do not share your medication with others, and never take someone else's medication. Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion.
Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is crucial. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult with your pharmacist, who can provide guidance on the best approach. Additionally, you may want to explore drug take-back programs available in your area.
Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide critical information, including the name of the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, to ensure prompt and effective treatment.