Ceftazidime
About
Ceftazidime belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics used in the treatment of several bacterial infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, brain, bones and joints, ears, throat, skin, and soft tissue. Bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria grow in the body and cause infection. It can infect any part of the body and multiply very quickly. Ceftazidime does not work against infections caused by the virus.
Ceftazidime contains Ceftazidime, an antibiotic that works by interfering with the formation of the bacterial cell wall (a protective covering) that is necessary for their survival. Thereby damaging the bacterial cell wall and killing bacteria.
Ceftazidime will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, you may experience redness and swelling along with a vein, red raised skin rash, which may be itchy, burning, painful, inflammation, or swelling at the site of injection or diarrhea. Most of these side effects of Ceftazidime do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Ceftazidime or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Ceftazidime. Drive only if you are alert as Ceftazidime may cause dizziness. If you are on a controlled sodium diet, inform your doctor before taking Ceftazidime. If you have a widespread rash with peeling skin and blisters, please consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Uses of Ceftazidime
Medicinal Benefits
Ceftazidime contains Ceftazidime, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that acts against both aerobic (grow in the presence of oxygen) and anaerobic (grow in the absence of oxygen) gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It is used in the treatment of several bacterial infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, brain, bones and joints, ears, throat, skin and soft tissue. Ceftazidime interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell wall (a protective covering) that is necessary for their survival. Thereby damages the bacterial cell wall and kills bacteria. Additionally, Ceftazidime may be used to treat fever due to bacterial infections in patients with low white blood cells count and also to prevent bacterial infections in men during prostate surgery.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ceftazidime
- Redness and swelling along a vein
- Burning, pain, inflammation or swelling at the site of injection
- Red raised skin rash which may be itchy
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Ceftazidime or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have kidney problems or diabetes, inform your doctor before taking Ceftazidime. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Ceftazidime. Ceftazidime may interact with certain tests such as glucose (sugar) in urine and coomb’s test (blood test), resulting in unusual results. Therefore, inform the lab technician that you are taking Ceftazidime before undergoing any tests. If you are on a controlled sodium diet, inform your doctor before taking Ceftazidime. If you have a widespread rash with peeling skin and blisters, please consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Drive only if you are alert as Ceftazidime may cause dizziness. You are recommended to complete the full course of Ceftazidime as prescribed by your doctor for effective results.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Ceftazidime may interact with antibiotics (chloramphenicol, tobramycin, gentamicin) and water tablets (furosemide).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have kidney problems or diabetes, inform your doctor before taking Ceftazidime.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Ceftazidime with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Ceftazidime.
Pregnancy
cautionCeftazidime is a category B pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionCeftazidime may be excreted in human milk in small amounts. Therefore, it is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionCeftazidime may cause dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy after taking Ceftazidime.
Liver
cautionTake Ceftazidime with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Ceftazidime with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionCeftazidime should be used in children only in doses as prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take probiotics after completing the full course of Ceftazidime to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Certain fermented foods like cheese, yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help to restore the good bacteria of the intestine.
- Include fiber-rich foods, as they can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fiber-rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains such as whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day while you are taking Ceftazidime.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase adverse effects.
Special Advise
- Regular kidney function tests are recommended, especially in patients with kidney problems while taking Ceftazidime so that the dose may be adjusted accordingly.
- If you are about to undergo any blood or urine tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Ceftazidime as it may interfere with these tests.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: It is a condition in which harmful bacteria grow in the body and cause infection. It can target any part of the body and multiply very quickly. Bacteria come in three basic shapes, namely spherical, rod, or spiral-shaped. Bacteria may be gram-positive (have thick cell walls) or gram-negative (do not have cell walls). Appropriate tests are done to identify bacterial strains and based on the results, proper medication is prescribed. Some common symptoms of bacterial infection include cough, fever, and tiredness.
FAQs
Ceftazidime contains Ceftazidime, an antibiotic that works by damaging the bacterial cell wall (protective covering) that is necessary for their survival. Thereby, kills bacteria.
Ceftazidime may be used to treat meningitis (inflammation of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by bacterial infection. Ceftazidime is an antibiotic that kills bacteria and prevents the spread of infection.
Ceftazidime may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. However, if the condition persists, worsens or if you notice blood or mucus in stools, avoid taking Ceftazidime and consult a doctor immediately.
You are not recommended to take Ceftazidime with furosemide as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of kidney problems, especially in patients with kidney impairment and also when Ceftazidime is given in high doses. However, please consult your doctor before taking Ceftazidime with other medicines.
Ceftazidime is not used to treat viral infections. Ceftazidime is an antibiotic that is used to treat only bacterial infections.
You are not recommended to stop taking Ceftazidime without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the infection or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Ceftazidime for as long as your doctor has prescribed it and if you experience any difficulty while taking Ceftazidime, please consult your doctor.