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Ceftazidime

Cephalosporin · Antibiotic

Also known as Ceftazidime pentahydrate

START
Confirm gram-negative infection including Pseudomonas if suspected. Obtain cultures before first dose. Baseline renal function.
TYPICAL MAX
2 g IV q8h (6 g/day). Reduce in renal impairment.
STOP IF
Severe hypersensitivity, severe diarrhea (suspect CDAD), neurotoxicity (myoclonus, seizures)
WATCH
Renal function (adjust dose if CrCl <50), CDAD (diarrhea), neurotoxicity at high doses/renal impairment
CDSCO approvedSchedule HJan AushadhiATC J01DD02
Dose laddermg/d
250start1ktitrate2kmax6kceiling
Renal dose adjustmenteGFR mL/min/1.73m²
FULLFull dose: 1-2 g IV q8h51REDUCE1-2 g q12h31REDUCE1-2 g q24h16REDUCE0.5-1 g q2…6REDUCE0.5-1…90

KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label

Pharmacokineticsplasma · t hours
30minONSET1.5hPEAK2h8hDURATION
ONSET
30min · Immediate (IV)
PEAK
1.5h · 1-2 h (IM)
2h · ~2 h (normal); 15-25 h (anuric)
DURATION
8h · 8 h (q8h dosing)
EXCRETION
80-90% renal unchanged; minimal metabolism; not dialyzable
route + CYP
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
FDA PLLR: Animal studies showed no teratogenicity. Limited human data. Crosses placenta. Generally considered safe in pregnancy (Category B old system).
FDA category + note
Available in India

493 branded formulations and 180 fixed-dose combinations. Look up specific brands in the Drugs workspace.

Jan Aushadhi — generic available at GoI pharmacies

Mechanism

Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), primarily PBP-1 and PBP-3. This binding prevents cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains in the bacterial cell wall, leading to osmotic lysis of the bacterial cell. Ceftazidime is distinguished from other third-generation cephalosporins by its enhanced activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to its unique C-7 side chain (pyridinium group) that confers stability against beta-lactamases produced by this organism.

Indications

Lower respiratory tract infections (including pneumonia)Skin and skin structure infectionsUrinary tract infections (including complicated)Intra-abdominal infections (in combination with metronidazole)Bacterial septicemiaBone and joint infectionsMeningitis (due to susceptible organisms)Pseudomonal infections (cystic fibrosis, hospital-acquired)

Dosing

Adult
1-2 g IV/IM q8-12h. Pseudomonal infections: 2 g IV q8h. Uncomplicated UTI: 250-500 mg IV/IM q12h. Meningitis: 2 g IV q8h. Febrile neutropenia: 2 g IV q8h.
Pediatric
≥1 month: 30-50 mg/kg IV q8h (max 6 g/day). Neonates 0-4 weeks: 30 mg/kg IV q12h.
Renal adjustment
CrCl 31-50: 1-2 g q12h. CrCl 16-30: 1-2 g q24h. CrCl 6-15: 0.5-1 g q24h. CrCl <5: 0.5-1 g q48h. HD: 1 g after each dialysis.
Hepatic adjustment
No adjustment required (minimal hepatic metabolism).
Geriatric
No adjustment for age alone. Adjust based on renal function.
Max dose
6 g/day (adults); 6 g/day (pediatric, weight-based)

Pharmacokinetics

Onset
Rapid bactericidal activity; clinical response within 48-72 hours.
Peak effect
IV: immediate distribution. IM: peak at 1-2 hours.
Duration
8-12 hours (supports q8-12h dosing).
Half-life
~2 hours (normal renal function); prolonged to 15-25 hours in anuric patients.
Bioavailability
IM: ~80-90%. Not absorbed orally.
Protein binding
~10% (low; concentration-independent).
Metabolism
Not metabolized to any significant extent; excreted virtually unchanged.
Excretion
Renal: ~80-90% excreted unchanged in urine within 24 hours via glomerular filtration.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to ceftazidime, other cephalosporins, or beta-lactam antibiotics
  • History of anaphylaxis to penicillins (relative — cross-reactivity ~1-2% with IgE-mediated reactions)

Side effects

Common
Phlebitis at injection siteGI upset (nausea, diarrhea)RashElevated liver enzymes (transient)
Serious
  • Severe hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, SJS/TEN — rare)
  • Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
  • Neurotoxicity (myoclonus, seizures) at very high doses or in renal impairment without dose adjustment
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Acute interstitial nephritis

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

FDA PLLR: Animal studies showed no teratogenicity. Limited human data. Crosses placenta. Generally considered safe in pregnancy (Category B old system).

Lactation

Excreted in breast milk in low concentrations. Compatible with breastfeeding per AAP. Monitor infant for diarrhea or candidiasis.

Drug interactions

Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin, Amikacin)
Moderate
Database

Increased risk of acute kidney injury

Monitor renal function closely (serum creatinine, urine output). Adjust doses of both drugs if renal impairment develops. Consider therapeutic drug monitoring for aminoglycosides.

Aztreonam
Moderate
Database

Shared side chain

Avoid if severe ceftazidime allergy

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Aminoglycosides
Moderate
Database

Synergistic antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas and other gram-negative organisms. Both are nephrotoxic; combined use may increase renal risk.

Monitor renal function daily. Ensure adequate hydration. Synergistic combination is standard for Pseudomonal infections. Consider TDM for aminoglycoside.

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Chloramphenicol
Moderate
Database

Pharmacodynamic antagonism — chloramphenicol is bacteriostatic while ceftazidime is bactericidal. Concurrent use may reduce bactericidal efficacy.

Avoid concurrent use if possible. If both needed, separate by several hours and monitor clinical response.

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Furosemide
Moderate
Database

High-dose loop diuretics may increase nephrotoxicity risk when combined with cephalosporins, though less than with aminoglycosides.

Monitor renal function. Ensure adequate hydration. Use lowest effective diuretic dose.

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Loop Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)
Moderate
Database

Enhanced risk of acute kidney injury, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or other nephrotoxic agents.

Monitor renal function closely. Ensure adequate hydration. Consider alternative diuretics if possible, or use with caution and close monitoring.

Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Moderate
Database

Increased INR and bleeding risk (though less pronounced than with some other cephalosporins).

Monitor INR closely, especially at the start and end of ceftazidime therapy. Adjust warfarin dose as needed. Educate patient on bleeding signs.

Probenecid
Moderate
Database

Probenecid competitively inhibits renal tubular secretion of ceftazidime, increasing plasma concentrations and prolonging half-life.

May be used therapeutically to prolong ceftazidime exposure. No routine dose adjustment needed.

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Vancomycin
Moderate
Database

Increased risk of acute kidney injury, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or prolonged therapy.

Monitor renal function (serum creatinine, BUN, urine output) closely. Consider therapeutic drug monitoring for vancomycin. Adjust doses as needed.

Warfarin
Moderate
Database

Ceftazidime may reduce vitamin K synthesis by gut flora and/or affect platelet function, potentiating warfarin's anticoagulant effect.

Monitor INR closely (every 2-3 days) when starting or stopping ceftazidime. Anticipate warfarin dose adjustment.

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

2 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.

Related guidelines

Other Cephalosporin drugs

Ask House about Ceftazidime

Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.

Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e, Harrison 22e, Katzung·Verified: 2026-05-18 · House clinical team·Cockpit curated: 2026-05-18