What is Ceftazidime: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ceftazidime overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Fortaz, Tazicef, Tazicef, Tazicef Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Ceftazidime

Uses:

  • Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What form(s) does Ceftazidime come in

  • Injectable

What are common Ceftazidime doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 1GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 2GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 6GM

Common Ceftazidime prescriptions

  • cefTAZidime
    1gm solution reconstituted

  • cefTAZidime
    2gm solution reconstituted

  • cefTAZidime
    6gm solution reconstituted

How to take Ceftazidime

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle. An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Check the IV medicine bag before use to make sure there are no leaks and that the solution is clear.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator an hour before the time for your next dose. Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Check the IV medicine bag before use to make sure there are no leaks and that the solution is clear.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator an hour before the time for your next dose. Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature in a clean, dry place.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle. An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.

Ceftazidime contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ceftazidime or any other cephalosporin medicine.

Ceftazidime warnings

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you had an allergic reaction to penicillin, you have kidney disease, liver disease, weak immune system, or you have a history of stomach or intestinal problems, including colitis.

  • This medicine may prevent birth control pills from working correctly. Use a second form of birth control while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ceftazidime interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how ceftazidime works. Tell your doctor if you are taking chloramphenicol, a diuretic (water pill), or an aminoglycoside.

  • This medicine may prevent birth control pills from working correctly. Use a second form of birth control while you are taking ceftazidime.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ceftazidime side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe vomiting or stomach pain

  • Diarrhea that may contain blood

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Swelling, pain, or redness near where your IV is located

  • Blistering, peeling, red rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain where the IM shot was given