Pronunciation:

sef-TAZ-i-deem

Brand Names:

• Fortaz
• Tazicef
• Ceptaz

Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Antibiotic

Pharmacologic—

3rd Generation Cephalosporin

Uses of This Medicine:

Ceftazidime injection is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It belongs to the class of medicines known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ceftazidime injection in children.

Older adults—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ceftazidime injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving ceftazidime injection.

Breast-feeding—

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Furosemide
• Warfarin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Chloramphenicol

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Brain disease (e.g., encephalopathy, severe confusion) or
• Colitis (inflammation in gut), history of or
• Diarrhea, severe, history of or
• Myoclonus (muscle twitching or jerking) or
• Seizures—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. Effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles or through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Ceftazidime injection may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. Do not take any medicine or give medicine to your child to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms while receiving this medicine: confusion; loss of consciousness; jerking or twitching of the muscles; seizures; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; or severe sleepiness.

Before you or your child have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are receiving this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness

bloating

bluish color

changes in skin color

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

fever

increased thirst

itching of the vagina or genital area

nausea or vomiting

pain

pain during sexual intercourse

swelling at the site of injection

swelling of the foot or leg

tenderness

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue

white patches with diaper rash

Rare

Back, leg, or stomach pains

bleeding gums

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chills

cough

dark urine

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

general body swelling

headache

hives

itching

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

nosebleeds

pale skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

shortness of breath

skin rash

sore throat

tightness in the chest

wheezing

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Agitation

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

change in consciousness

chest pain

clay-colored stools

confusion

coughing up blood

decreased frequency or amount of urine

diarrhea

difficult or painful urination

drowsiness

hallucinations

increased blood pressure

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

increased thirst

irritability

loss of consciousness

lower back or side pain

muscle twitching or jerking

nosebleeds

paralysis

prolonged bleeding from cuts

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

rhythmic movement of the muscles

seizures

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stiff neck

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

swollen or painful glands

troubled breathing

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

vomiting of blood

watery or bloody diarrhea

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Red streaks on the skin

swelling, tenderness, or pain at the injection site

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.