Ceftazidime

Type of Medication: Antibiotic

Indications: Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia respiratory infections (covers H.influenzae).

Side Effects: Diarrhoea and vomiting, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, hypersensitivity, erythema multiforme, abnormal liver function, cholestatic jaundice, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, candidiasis, vaginitis,nephritis, confusion, hypertonia, dizziness, bad taste, convulsions, encephalopathy.

Route of administration: Adult (Intravenous)

Dose:150-200 mg/kg/24 hrs given in 2 to 3 doses. Maximum dose 12 g/day

Administration: 2 g reconstituted with 10 ml 0.9% saline (3g/15 ml ) and given as a bolus over 3-5 minutes or after reconstituting with water for injection dilute to 50 ml with saline and infuse over 20-30 minutes. Best given over 30 minutes

Route of administration: Adult (nebulised)

Dose 1 g bd

Administration: Reconstitute 1 g vial with 3 ml water for injection

Route of administration: Paediatric (Intravenous)

Dose:150-200 mg/kg/day in 2 to 3 doses.Give over 20 to 30 mins. Max: 12g/day

Examples of some Drug Interactions

Interacting drug: Oestrogens – possibly reduce contraceptive effect of oestrogen

Interacting drug: Probenecid – excretion of cephalosporins reduced

Interacting drug: Warfarin – ? enhances effect of warfarin