Ceftazidime is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of third generation cephalosporins. It has an antimicrobial activity similar to that of Cefotaxime and fights against Gram-positive bacteria and enterobacteria. It acts by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial wall. Similar to that of other cephalosporins, this antibiotic has the ability to bind to the transpeptidase enzymes that serve to create the bonds between the peptidoglycan chains (the polymers essential for the constitution of the bacterial wall). In turn, the transpeptidase activity prevents the stability of the bacterial cell wall, resulting in the death of growing bacterial cells.
What is Ceftazidime?
Ceftazidime is used in the treatment of the following infections that are sensitive to cephalosporins in adults, children and infants:
- Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia ;
- Lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis ;
- Urinary tract infections;
- Infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones and joints;
- Ear infections;
- Peritonitis;
- Septicemia;
- Meningitis
How should Ceftazidime be taken?
Ceftazidime is taken in the form of powder and solvent via injection. It can be administered intramuscularly, intravenously or as an infusion solution.
Side effects associated with Ceftazidime
There are several known side effects from the use of Ceftazidime, although it appears to be a mostly well-tolerated antibiotic. Possible side effects include the following:
- Injection site disturbances (phlebitis or thrombophlebitis with intravenous administration; pain and / or inflammation resulting from intramuscular administration);
- Allergic reactions: maculopapular rash or urticaria, itching, fever, rare angioedema and anaphylactic reactions (including bronchospasm and / or hypotension).
- Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rarer colitis and candidiasis of the oral cavity;
- Genitourinary disorders: candidiasis, vaginitis;
- Neurological disorders: headache, dizziness, paresthesias;
- Kidney and liver function abnormalities
- Haematological disorders (rare): leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and lymphocytosis.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Ceftazidime
The limited amount of data gathered on the use of Ceftazidime during pregnancy does not highlight any direct or indirect harmful effects to the pregnancy itself such as embryo/fetal development, parturition or post-natal development. Due to this reason, the use of this antibiotic should be prescribed to pregnant women only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Ceftazidime accumulates in breast milk in small quantities and therefore there is no contraindication to its use during breast-feeding.
There have been no studies done on the ability to drive and operate machinery while taking Ceftazidime. However, it is advised to keep in mind that the use of the drug may cause dizziness. During injection of this drug, it is advised to consider that concomitant treatment with high doses of cephalosporins and nephrotoxic drugs may have a negative effect on renal function.
