Ceftazidime (Ceftazidime)
Overview of Ceftazidime
Ceftazidime is a third-generation, semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are derivatives of 7-aminocephalosporic acid and are closely related to penicillins in structure. Cephalosporins have a six membered sulfur containing ring adjoining a ß lactam ring. Ceftazidime is a broad spectrum, ß lactam antibiotic, effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. Ceftazidime is used in the treatment of biliary tract infection. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Ceftazidime is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.
Indication of Ceftazidime
Ceftazidime is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacteremia, Bacterial infections, Biliary tract infections, Bone and joints infections, Diverticulitis, Endometritis, Ent infections, GI infections, Gynecological infections, Intra-abdominal infections, Lower respiratory tract infections, Lung abscess, Meningitis, Osteomyelitis, Pelvic infections, Peritonitis, Pneumonia, Pophylaxis of acute renal transplant rejection, Pseudomonal lung infection in cystic fibrosis, Septicaemia, Skin infections, Soft tissue infections, Urinary tract infection, UTIs and less serious infections.
Contraindication of Ceftazidime
Ceftazidime is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Ceftazidime
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Ceftazidime, which give rise to further complications include Rashes, Thrombocytopenia, Stevens johnson syndrome, Hypersensitivity reactions, Transient leucopenia, Neutropenia, Lymphocytosis, Elevation in serum creatinine, Bleeding, Increased blood urea nitrogen, Superinfection, Candidiasis, Breathing difficulty, Hives, Myoclonia.,Ceftazidime produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pseudomembranous colitis, Encephalitis, Anaphylactic reactions, Epilepsy. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Ceftazidime therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Ceftazidime include Coma, Seizures, Encephalopathy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Ceftazidime are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Inflammation, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Pruritus, Pain, Colitis, Vaginitis, Skin RashX, Tremor, Phlebitis, Thrombophlebitis, Paresthesias, Stomachache, Erythema multiforme.
Precautions of Ceftazidime
Ceftazidime should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney or liver function. Appropriate measures should be taken if secondary infection occurs. Use with caution (if contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity, because it may cause allergic reactions (including bronchial asthma). Caution is required in patients with history of hypersensitivity to ceftazidime, cephalosporins, penicillins or other drugs especially those with previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins. Discontinue treatment if an allergic reaction occurs. Emergency procedures may be required in such cases. Concurrent use with nephrotoxic drugs e.g., aminoglycosides, potent diuretics, may affect renal function. Neurological sequelae have been reported when dose is not reduced in patients with renal impairment. Prolonged use may develop resistance during therapy. When ceftazidime and chloramphenicol is administered concurrently, the possibility of antagonism should be considered.