Ceftazidime

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).

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