Ceftazidime

Ceftazidime: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• It is a 3rd generation of cephalosporin.
• It binds to proteins involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, thereby decreasing cell wall strength and rigidity, and affecting cell division.
• Resistant to some bacterial beta-lactamases.
• It works in a time-dependent fashion.

Uses of Ceftazidime

• Higher activity against many Gram-negative organisms but lower activity against many Gram-positives when compared with 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins.
• Use should be limited to cases with confirmed susceptibility and acute sepsis or serious
  infections where licensed preparations are found to be inappropriate.

Dose of Ceftazidime in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Susceptible infections: 30 mg/kg i.v, i.m., s.c. q8h.
• Increased frequency for susceptible infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa q4h or as CRI with a loading dose of 4.4 mg/kg followed by 4.1 mg/kg/h.

Cats:

• Susceptible infections: 30 mg/kg i.m. q8h.
• If Pseudomonas, more frequent dosing is recommended q2–4h.

Side Effects of Ceftazidime in Dogs and Cats

• Pain may be noted following injection.

Contraindications of Ceftazidime in Dogs and Cats

• Patients hypersensitive to penicillins may also be sensitive to cephalosporins.
• Avoid use in animals with reported sensitivity to other beta-lactam antimicrobials.
• Use with caution in animals with significantly impaired renal function.

Some Notes:

• Bactericidal activity may be affected by the concomitant use of bacteriostatic agents (e.g. oxytetracycline, erythromycin).
• May be an increased risk of nephrotoxicity if cephalosporins are used with amphotericin or loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide); monitor renal function.
• Do not mix in the same syringe as aminoglycosides.
• Ceftazidime is synergistic with the aminoglycoside antimicrobials in vivo (often used in humans for pseudomonal infection in neutropenic patients).