Ceftazidime
Also known as: Fortaz, Ceptaz, Tazicef, Tazidime, Fortum
- **Administration:** Your veterinarian may instruct you to administer this drug via subcutaneous (SC) injection at home. Ensure you are comfortable with the injection technique. - **Storage is Critical:** Reconstituted ceftazidime often requires refrigeration or freezing. If dispensed in frozen syringes, keep them in the freezer until needed. Thaw only the dose you need at room temperature. **Do not refreeze thawed solutions.** - **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, vomiting) or allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing). Contact your veterinarian if these occur. - **Injection Site:** Monitor the injection site for redness, swelling, or pain.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Initial antibiotic therapy of gram-negative infections
- Initial treatment of orthopedic infections
- Initial treatment of soft tissue infections
- Initial treatment of sepsis, bacteremia
- Susceptible infections
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections (CRI)
- Initial treatment of systemic infections
- Susceptible infections
- Pseudomonas infections
- Susceptible infections
- Bacterial infections in snakes (particularly Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
- Chelonians
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pain at IM injection site (SC may be less painful)
- Gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea, vomiting)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions)
- Granulocytopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Mild azotemia
- Pseudomembranous colitis (C. difficile)
- Increased serum liver enzymes (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity or prior allergic reaction to cephalosporins
- > **Renal Impairment:** Because the drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys, accumulation may result in patients with significantly impaired renal function. Use with caution and adjust the dose as required. - **Cross-Reactivity:** Up to 16% of humans allergic to penicillins may also be allergic to cephalosporins; the veterinary significance is unclear but warrants caution. - **Laboratory Interference:** May cause a false-positive urine glucose determination when using cupric sulfate solution tests (e.g., Clinitest). May rarely cause positive direct Coombs' tests.
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides / Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., amphotericin B): Potential additive nephrotoxicity. In vitro synergy exists against certain bacteria, but they must NOT be mixed in the same syringe or fluid bag (administer separately).
- Chloramphenicol: May be antagonistic to ceftazidime's bactericidal effects on gram-negative bacilli; concurrent use is not recommended.
- Oxytetracycline: Bacteriostatic agents may antagonize the bactericidal activity of ceftazidime.
- Erythromycin: Bacteriostatic agents may antagonize the bactericidal activity of ceftazidime.
- Amphotericin B: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity when used concurrently.
- Furosemide: Loop diuretics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Aminoglycosides: Synergistic in vivo against Pseudomonas; however, chemically incompatible in vitro (do not mix in the same syringe).
Frequently asked questions
What is Ceftazidime used for in pets?
- **Administration:** Your veterinarian may instruct you to administer this drug via subcutaneous (SC) injection at home. Ensure you are comfortable with the injection technique. - **Storage is Critical:** Reconstituted ceftazidime often requires refrigeration or freezing. If dispensed in frozen syringes, keep them in the freezer until needed. Thaw only the dose you need at room temperature. **Do not refreeze thawed solutions.** - **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, vomiting) or allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing). Contact your veterinarian if these occur. - **Injection Site:** Monitor the injection site for redness, swelling, or pain.
Is Ceftazidime safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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