Tazicef 1gm Inj , 1vial
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Administer the medication as directed, either as an intramuscular injection or as an intravenous infusion over a specified period. In some cases, it may be given as an intravenous push.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if you start feeling better, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention:
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 potentially life-threatening condition called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
Stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools (if you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away)
Seizures, confusion, shakiness, muscle twitching, or difficulty controlling body movements (if you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor, as your dose may need to be adjusted)
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:
- Severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea (even if it occurs months after your last dose)
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Fever, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms
- Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
- Dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Before Using This Medicine
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. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication.
To avoid potential interactions, do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.
Precautions & Cautions
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)
- Asterixis (flapping tremor)
- Neuromuscular excitability
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222). 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 the risk of nephrotoxicity when co-administered with cephalosporins, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Moderate Interactions
- Probenecid: Decreases renal tubular secretion of ceftazidime, leading to increased and prolonged plasma concentrations of ceftazidime. Generally not recommended for co-administration.
- Oral Contraceptives: Theoretical risk of reduced efficacy due to alteration of gut flora, though clinical significance is low. Advise backup contraception.
- Warfarin: Cephalosporins may alter vitamin K metabolism or gut flora, potentially enhancing the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Monitor INR closely.
Minor Interactions
- Typhoid Vaccine (live, oral): Antibiotics may reduce the therapeutic effect of the live typhoid vaccine. Administer at least 24 hours apart.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Ceftazidime is primarily renally eliminated; dose adjustment is necessary in renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To confirm the causative organism and its susceptibility to ceftazidime.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those receiving concomitant nephrotoxic drugs.
Target: Within normal limits or stable for patient's baseline
Action Threshold: Significant increase in BUN/creatinine; consider dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially during prolonged therapy (e.g., >10 days).
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant changes (e.g., eosinophilia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia); investigate and consider discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, if clinically indicated or during prolonged therapy.
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant elevation; investigate.
Frequency: Daily throughout therapy and post-therapy.
Target: Absence of new infections
Action Threshold: Presence of new infection; initiate appropriate treatment.
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Neurological symptoms (headache, dizziness, seizures, especially in patients with renal impairment or high doses)
- Signs of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) (severe, persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever)
- Injection site reactions (pain, inflammation, phlebitis)
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:
Lactation
Ceftazidime is excreted in human milk in low concentrations. The amount ingested by the infant is small and generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor the infant for potential changes in bowel flora (e.g., diarrhea, candidiasis) or allergic reactions.
Pediatric Use
Ceftazidime has been used safely and effectively in pediatric patients, including neonates. Dosing must be carefully adjusted based on age, weight, and renal function. Neonates and infants may have immature renal function, requiring careful monitoring and dose adjustment.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, which necessitates careful dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance. They may also be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly neurological effects (e.g., seizures) if doses are not appropriately adjusted for renal impairment.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Ceftazidime has excellent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it a crucial agent for treating infections caused by this challenging pathogen.
- It is often used empirically in febrile neutropenia due to its broad-spectrum gram-negative coverage, including Pseudomonas.
- Always adjust the dose in patients with renal impairment to prevent accumulation and potential neurotoxicity (e.g., seizures).
- While generally well-tolerated, monitor for C. difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur during or after therapy.
- Ceftazidime does not have significant activity against MRSA or enterococci.
Alternative Therapies
- Other third-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefotaxime, ceftriaxone - but generally less active against Pseudomonas)
- Fourth-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefepime - good anti-pseudomonal activity)
- Carbapenems (e.g., meropenem, imipenem/cilastatin, doripenem - broad-spectrum, including Pseudomonas)
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., tobramycin, amikacin - often used in combination with beta-lactams for severe Pseudomonas infections)
- Antipseudomonal penicillins (e.g., piperacillin/tazobactam)