Ceftazidime
/api/v1/drug/ceftazidimeMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDACeftazidime is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Ceftazidime has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- Ceftazidime for injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, including pneumonia, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Pseudomonas spp.; Haemophilus influenzae, including ampicillin-resistant strains; Klebsiella spp.; Enterobacter spp.; Proteus mirabilis; Escherichia coli; Serratia spp.; Citrobacter spp.; Streptococcus pneumoniae; and Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains). Skin and Skin-Structure Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Klebsiella spp.; Escherichia coli; Proteus spp., including Proteus mirabilis and indole-positive Proteus; Enterobacter spp.; Serratia spp.; Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains); and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci).ICD-10: J18.9
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Ceftazidime for injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or the cephalosporin group of antibacterial drugs.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDADosage The usual adult dosage is 1 gram administered intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 to 12 hours. The dosage and route should be determined by the susceptibility of the causative organisms, the severity of infection, and the condition and renal function of the patient. The guidelines for dosage of ceftazidime for injection are listed in Table 3 . The following dosage schedule is recommended. Table 3. Recommended Dosage Schedule *Although clinical improvement has been shown, bacteriologic cures cannot be expected in patients with chronic respiratory disease and cystic fibrosis. **The higher dose should be reserved for immunocompromised pediatric patients or pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or meningitis. Dose Frequency Adult Usual recommended dosage 1 gram intravenous or intramuscular every 8 to 12 hours Uncomplicated urinary tract infection 250 mg intravenous or intramuscular every 12 hours Bone and joint infections 2 grams intravenous every 12 hours Complicated urinary tract infections 500 mg intravenous or intramuscular every 8 to 12 hours Uncomplicated pneumonia; mild skin and skin-structure infections 500 mg to 1 gram intravenous or intramuscular every 8 hours Serious gynecological and intra-abdominal infections 2 grams intravenous every 8 hours Meningitis 2 grams intravenous every 8 hours Very severe life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised patients 2 grams intravenous every 8 hours Lung infections caused by Pseudomonas spp.
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDABEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFTAZIDIME FOR INJECTION IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFTAZIDIME, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. IF THIS PRODUCT IS TO BE GIVEN TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED BECAUSE CROSS-HYPERSENSITIVITY AMONG BETA-LACTAM ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AND MAY OCCUR IN UP TO 10% OF PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN ALLERGY. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFTAZIDIME FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES, INCLUDING OXYGEN, IV FLUIDS, IV ANTIHISTAMINES, CORTICOSTEROIDS, PRESSOR AMINES, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, AS CLINICALLY INDICATED. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ceftazidime for injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDACeftazidime is generally well tolerated. The incidence of adverse reactions associated with the administration of ceftazidime was low in clinical trials. The most common were local reactions following IV injection and allergic and gastrointestinal reactions. Other adverse reactions were encountered infrequently. No disulfiram-like reactions were reported. The following adverse effects from clinical trials were considered to be either related to ceftazidime therapy or were of uncertain etiology: Local Effects, reported in fewer than 2% of patients, were phlebitis and inflammation at the site of injection (1 in 69 patients). Hypersensitivity Reactions, reported in 2% of patients, were pruritus, rash, and fever. Immediate reactions, generally manifested by rash and/or pruritus, occurred in 1 in 285 patients. Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme have also been reported with cephalosporin antibacterial drugs, including ceftazidime. Angioedema and anaphylaxis (bronchospasm and/or hypotension) have been reported very rarely. Gastrointestinal Symptoms, reported in fewer than 2% of patients, were diarrhea (1 in 78), nausea (1 in 156), vomiting (1 in 500), and abdominal pain (1 in 416). The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after treatment (see WARNINGS ). Central Nervous System Reactions (fewer than 1%) included headache, dizziness, and paresthesia. Seizures have been reported with several cephalosporins, including ceftazidime.
Use in specific populations
Sourced from openFDAPregnancy Teratogenic Effects Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 40 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to ceftazidime for injection. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDACeftazidime overdosage has occurred in patients with renal failure. Reactions have included seizure activity, encephalopathy, asterixis, neuromuscular excitability, and coma. Patients who receive an acute overdosage should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment. In the presence of renal insufficiency, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may aid in the removal of ceftazidime from the body.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Nov 20, 1985ANDAANDA062640Acs Dobfar
- Mar 6, 1986ANDAANDA062662Hospira
- Feb 25, 2015NDANDA206494Abbvie
FDA shortages
Reference statistics from the openFDA drug-shortage dataset. For a live view, consult the FDA database directly. Not clinical guidance.
- Tazicef, Injection, 1 g (NDC 0409-5092-16)To be discontinuedSponsor: Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer CompanyUpdated
- Tazicef, Injection, 2 g (NDC 0409-5093-11)To be discontinuedSponsor: Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer CompanyUpdated
FAERS reports
- 1Drug Ineffective84611%
- 2Off Label Use7049.2%
- 3Pyrexia5447.1%
- 4Septic Shock3384.4%
- 5Condition Aggravated3284.3%
- 6Neutropenia3214.2%
- 7Acute Kidney Injury3124.1%
- 8Pneumonia3034.0%
- 9Diarrhoea2983.9%
- 10Hypotension2743.6%
- 11Febrile Neutropenia2723.5%
- 12Sepsis2663.5%
- 13Respiratory Failure2643.4%
- 14Nausea2573.4%
- 15Dyspnoea2513.3%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Ceftazidime as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Tissue and Serum Concentrations of Time-Dependent Antibiotics in Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers by Bolus or Continuous Administration: The Randomised DFIATIM Trial.Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews · 2026 · Jarošíková R, Sojáková D, Antalová S, et al.PMID 42218112DOI 10.1002/dmrr.70185
- Efficacy of ceftazidime/avibactam against 10 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in icodextrin-based peritoneal dialysis solution and patient-derived dialysate.The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy · 2026 · Supparitsch S, Vychytil A, Zeitlinger M, et al.PMID 42169508DOI 10.1093/jac/dkag185
- Durability and mechanistic performance of aztreonam/avibactam versus aztreonam plus ceftazidime/avibactam against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex.The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy · 2026 · Kunz Coyne AJ, Gray R, Gonnabathula P, et al.PMID 42169507DOI 10.1093/jac/dkag177
- Ceftazidime-avibactam for multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections: outcomes and timing of initiation across 22 U.S. medical centers.Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy · 2026 · Kunz Coyne AJ, Judd C, Lucas K, et al.PMID 42138697DOI 10.1128/aac.00268-26
- Photodynamic and antibiotic combination therapy against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infections in diabetic rats.Bioorganic chemistry · 2026 · Kong F, Zhang T, Liu Y, et al.PMID 42127741DOI 10.1016/j.bioorg.2026.109955
- Antimicrobial activity of aztreonam-avibactam against KPC variant-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with ceftazidime-avibactam resistance.The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy · 2026 · Kong J, Yao Z, Zheng Y, et al.PMID 42108538DOI 10.1093/jac/dkag152
- Evaluating the efficacy of ceftazidime/avibactam plus amikacin combination therapy as a carbapenem-sparing agent against ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant Escherichia coli using a hollow fiber infection model: a proof-of-concept study.Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy · 2026 · Walker MM, Roberts JA, Li Y, et al.PMID 42089826DOI 10.1128/aac.01377-25
- Risk factors for in vivo emergence of ceftazidime-avibactam resistance in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and the associated resistance mechanisms: a case-control study.Microbiology spectrum · 2026 · Chuang C, Liu S-Y, Ho Y-C, et al.PMID 42080564DOI 10.1128/spectrum.00972-26
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 155 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Ceftazidime as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- PK/PD Relationship of CAZ/AVI and FOS in the Treatment of Patients With Infections Due to CRERecruiting · Observational · 60 enrolled · IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di BolognaNCT06717594updated 2026-06-12
- A Clinical Study of YK-1169 Versus Ceftazidime-Avibactam in Adults With Hospital-Acquired or Ventilator-Associated Bacterial PneumoniaNot yet recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 590 enrolled · Nanjing Yoko Biomedical Co., Ltd.NCT07634198updated 2026-06-08
- Optimizing the Diagnostic Approach to Cephalosporin Allergy TestingRecruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 300 enrolled · Massachusetts General HospitalNCT06406114updated 2026-05-26
- Early Discontinuation of Antibiotics in Paediatric High-risk Febrile NeutropeniaNot yet recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 136 enrolled · Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research InstituteNCT07590648updated 2026-05-15
- First-line Surgical Versus Medical Treatment: A Retrospective Study From 2014 to 2024 in Brest (BRESTE)Completed · Observational · 170 enrolled · University Hospital, BrestNCT07514845updated 2026-04-21
- A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine - Zavicefta in Patients With Sepsis or Loss of Kidney Function in JapanNot yet recruiting · Observational · 59 enrolled · PfizerNCT06864585updated 2026-04-20
- Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety Profile of Understudied Drugs Administered to Children Per Standard of Care (POPS)Recruiting · Observational · 5,000 enrolled · Duke UniversityNCT04278404updated 2026-04-06
- Ceftazidime in Burn ChildrenCompleted · Observational · 3 enrolled · Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de ParisNCT03881800updated 2026-03-30
- Individualized Precision Therapy With Ceftazidime and Avibactam Guided by PK/PD in Geriatric PopulationsNot yet recruiting · Observational · 150 enrolled · Chinese PLA General HospitalNCT07494981updated 2026-03-27
- Early Versus Late Stopping of Antibiotics in Children With Cancer and High-risk Febrile NeutropeniaCompleted · Phase 4 · Interventional · 55 enrolled · Murdoch Childrens Research InstituteNCT04948463updated 2026-03-20
Frequently asked questions
- How does Ceftazidime work?
- Ceftazidime is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Ceftazidime has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- What is Ceftazidime used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Ceftazidime carries indications including: Ceftazidime for injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, including pneumonia, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Pseudomonas spp.; Haemophilus influenzae, including ampicillin-resistant strains; Klebsiella spp.; Enterobacter spp.; Proteus mirabilis; Escherichia coli; Serratia spp.; Citrobacter spp.; Streptococcus pneumoniae; and Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains). Skin and Skin-Structure Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Klebsiella spp.; Escherichia coli; Proteus spp., including Proteus mirabilis and indole-positive Proteus; Enterobacter spp.; Serratia spp.; Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains); and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci).. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Ceftazidime?
- Ceftazidime is classified as Third-generation cephalosporins, Enzyme Inhibitors, Decreased Cell Wall Synthesis & Repair.
- What are the brand names for Ceftazidime?
- Ceftazidime is marketed under brand names including Avycaz, Fortaz, Tazicef.
- What are the contraindications for Ceftazidime?
- Ceftazidime labeling lists contraindications including: Ceftazidime for injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or the cephalosporin group of antibacterial drugs.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
ceftazidime is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.