Ceftazidime: Answering 8 Commonly Asked Questions

Ceftazidime is an injectable cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections. But like other antibiotics, it can’t treat the common cold, the flu or infections caused by viruses — they require different treatment.

Ceftazidime mainly treats bacterial infections of the lungs, skin, blood, abdomen, bones and joints, and treats meningitis and other brain and spinal cord infections. It works by binding to essential penicillin-binding proteins, which are needed to build an outer cell wall. When these proteins become blocked, the bacteria can’t continue to grow and eventually die.

Common brand names of ceftazidime include:

• Ceptaz
• Fortaz
• Tazicef
• Tazidime

Yes, ceftazidime is effective against Pseudomonas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pseudomonas is a group of bacteria, and the most common type causing infections in humans is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is caused by bacteria found in the environment, like soil and water. It can affect your skin, blood, lungs, GI tract and other parts of your body.

Ceftazidime is given as an injection either into a muscle or a vein. You can get the injection at the hospital or do it yourself at home if your doctor allows. The injection comes in powder form and must be mixed with liquid before it can be administered, and is typically given every eight to 12 hours until two days have passed without symptoms from the infection.

According to the National Library of Medicine, ceftazidime may cause several side effects, including:

• A return of fever, sore throat, chills or other signs of infection
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Diarrhea (watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment)
• Hoarseness
• Itching
• Pain, redness, swelling or bleeding near the injection site
• Peeling, blistering or shedding skin
• Rash
• Seizures
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips and eyes

Visit your doctor right away if you or a loved one experiences any of the above side effects.

Ceftazidime may interact poorly with:

• Anticoagulants, like Warfarin
• Certain antibiotics, like amikacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tobramycin
• Diuretics
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors

It’s important to note that this isn’t a complete list of medications that could interact poorly with ceftazidime. Talk to your doctor about all of the medicines you’re currently taking to ensure ceftazidime is safe for you.

If your symptoms don’t get better or worsen after taking ceftazidime for a few days, visit your doctor. You should also visit your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Allergic reactions
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Loss of consciousness
• Jerking or twitching muscles
• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Seizures
• Seeing, hearing or feeling things that aren’t there
• Severe drowsiness