Ceftazidime

Dosage Forms Available

• Ceftazidime is available for administration via intramuscular (injection) and intravenous (infusion) routes.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is intended for use in adults as well as children.

Contraindications

• Ceftazidime is contraindicated for individuals who have a known hypersensitivity to this medicine or other cephalosporins.

• It should be used with caution in patients with a history of penicillin allergy, due to potential cross-reactivity.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Ceftazidime may interact with aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin and neomycin) and broad-spectrum antibiotics (such as chloramphenicol).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• In cases of overdose, it's important to maintain adequate hydration and monitor renal function. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may facilitate the removal of Ceftazidime from the body.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, avoid doubling up on doses to catch up.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Try applying a cool compress to the injection site area.

• Drinking plenty of fluids can also help manage some of these side effects.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Ceftazidime may cause dizziness or other side effects that could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience these symptoms, avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Ceftazidime is categorised as a pregnancy category B medicine, which indicates that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and as the medicine is excreted in human milk in low concentrations, it should be used with caution in nursing mothers.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with renal impairment should exercise caution when taking this medicine, as dosage adjustments are necessary to prevent the accumulation of Ceftazidime in the body.

• Prolonged use of Ceftazidime may lead to an overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain good hydration to help manage potential side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances.

• Regular hand washing and maintaining a clean environment can help prevent bacterial infections, which Ceftazidime is used to manage.