Ceftazidime Injection

Information from Go.DrugBank.com:

Ceftazidime is an injected broad-spectrum third-generation cephalosporin beta-lactam antibiotic used to treat or prevent a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, gynecological infections, bone and joint infections, and septicemia, among others.

Bacteria possess a cell wall comprising a glycopeptide polymer commonly known as peptidoglycan, which is synthesized and remodelled through the action of a family of enzymes known as "penicillin-binding proteins" (PBPs).¹ β-lactam antibiotics, including cephalosporins, are PBP inhibitors that, through inhibition of essential PBPs, result in impaired cell wall homeostasis, loss of cell integrity, and ultimately bacterial cell death.^1,2,3 Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including against some treatment-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.¹²

Ceftazidime was approved by the FDA on July 19, 1985, and is currently available either alone or in combination with the non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor avibactam to treat a variety of bacterial infections.^12,13

^{Ceftazidime is indicated for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial septicemia, bone and joint infections, gynecologic infections, intra-abdominal infections (including peritonitis), and central nervous system infections (including meningitis) caused by susceptible bacteria.12}

^{Ceftazidime overdosage has occurred in patients with renal failure. Reactions included seizure activity, encephalopathy, asterixis, neuromuscular excitability, and coma. Patients who receive an acute overdosage should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment. In the presence of renal insufficiency, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may aid in the removal of ceftazidime from the body.12}

^{Information from Vet-EBooks.com:}

Side Effects of Ceftazidime in Dogs and Cats

• Pain may be noted following injection.

Contraindications of Ceftazidime in Dogs and Cats

• Patients hypersensitive to penicillins may also be sensitive to cephalosporins.
• Avoid use in animals with reported sensitivity to other beta-lactam antimicrobials.
• Use with caution in animals with significantly impaired renal function.

Some Notes:

• Bactericidal activity may be affected by the concomitant use of bacteriostatic agents (e.g. oxytetracycline, erythromycin).
• May be an increased risk of nephrotoxicity if cephalosporins are used with amphotericin or loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide); monitor renal function.
• Do not mix in the same syringe as aminoglycosides.
• Ceftazidime is synergistic with the aminoglycoside antimicrobials in vivo (often used in humans for pseudomonal infection in neutropenic patients).