What is Ceftazidime?

Ceftazidime is an antibiotic drug commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. It can be prescribed to address infection in the urinary tract, blood, stomach, skin, joints, and lungs. The brand names the drug is marketed under include Fortum®, Fortaz®, and Cefzim®.

This drug is usually administered for infections caused by bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is a common, adaptable bacterium that can easily infect humans and animals from either surfaces or contact with bodily fluids. Ceftazidime specifically helps to fight inflammation, a common symptom of this particular strain, by killing the colonies of bacteria that grow in the body.

Though ceftazidime is typically given as a syringe or intravenous injection at a medical facility, it can be prescribed for home use. Patients typically receive instructions on how to perform the injection and store and dispose of paraphernalia such as needles and syringes. They also learn how to check each dose in order to ensure that it is safe for injection.

When administered via syringe, the drug is injected into a large muscle, such as a hip or buttock. If the drug is given intravenously, a needle attached to a tube leading to a bag of the medication is placed in the vein. The intravenous method takes about 30 minutes to complete. Ceftazidime is typically taken one to three times a day until the infection goes away.

A doctor may decide that Ceftazidime is too high risk for patients who have had gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver disease. Patients who have had stomach or blood clotting problems may not be able to take the drug. It is also possible that the patient will simply need to observe the patient more closely during therapy or prescribe a specially adjusted dosage. Pregnant or nursing women are also typically advised to discuss their condition with a doctor, as the drug may not be safe for an unborn or newborn child.

There have been several reported side effects for ceftazidime, but most patients experience minor symptoms, if any at all. The most common mild effects include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and diarrhea. Patients may also experience numbness or tingling in the skin or a headache. These effects should only be reported to a doctor if they persist or become more severe.

The more serious side effects of taking ceftazidime should receive immediate medical attention. These include uncharacteristic bleeding or bruising, bloody stools, unusual movements of the muscles, or fever. Patients may also experience seizures, blistered skin, vaginal irritation, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction, which can include swelling in the facial area, rash, hives, itching, or breathing difficulties, is also considered to be serious.