CEFTAZIDIME,AVIBACTAM
Background and Date of Approval
Ceftazidime + Avibactam is an antibiotic combination approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on 25th February 2015. It is indicated for treating serious infections including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and abdominal infections.
Uses
Ceftazidime + Avibactam this combination is effective against a wide range of bacteria and is commonly used to treat serious infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and abdominal infections.
How is it administered?
This injection is available with a dose of 2gm or 2gm/0.5gm. Do not self-administer the Ceftazidime + Avibactam injection. Your doctor will decide the duration and dose of your treatment based on the disease severity and other factors. It will be given as an intravenous infusion, and you will be monitored carefully for unwanted side effects.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Ceftazidime + Avibactam are fever, headache, dizziness, itching, redness, or swelling in the injection site, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, change in the number of certain types of blood cells, and fungal infections. Some serious side effects also include severe allergic reactions (swelling of lips, face, or throat, rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing), and severe or bloody diarrhoea.
Warnings
This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Report your physician if you are allergic to any antibiotic group. You may develop fits-like symptoms if you consume too much Ceftazidime + Avibactam. Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy. Use of this medication can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, which ranges from mild to severe. If you experience severe diarrhoea during or after treatment, inform your physician.
Precautions
Ceftazidime + Avibactam should be used cautiously in individuals with impaired kidney function. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage based on your kidney function and closely monitor your kidney health during treatment. Notify your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is necessary to consult this with your physician for more advice.
Word of Advice
Complete the full prescribed course of ceftazidime + avibactam, even if symptoms improve before finishing. Discontinuing early can result in incomplete treatment and increased risk of recurrent or resistant infections. Inform your doctor if you have allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillins, or any other medications. Report any adverse reactions or side effects that occur during treatment.
References
Pfizer Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2022] [ Accessed on 26th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2465.pdf Zavicefta, Annex I summary of Product Characteristics - European Medicines Agency. [ Accessed on 26th June 2023], https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/zavicefta-epar-product-information_en.pdf Allergan USA, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on March 2019] [ Accessed on 14th March 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/206494s005,s006lbl.pdf KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antimicrobial drugs, 7th edition, 2013,728. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Penicillins, Cephalosporins and other Beta-Lactam Antibiotics, 12th edition, 2011, 1498.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to follow a special diet while taking Ceftazidime + Avibactam?
While taking Ceftazidime + Avibactam, drinking adequate fluids, such as water, is generally recommended to support kidney function and prevent dehydration.
Can Ceftazidime + Avibactam cause allergic reactions?
Yes, like other antibiotics, Ceftazidime + Avibactam can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
What types of infections are treated with Ceftazidime + Avibactam?
Ceftazidime + Avibactam is primarily used to treat complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), including pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs). It may also treat hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
How does Ceftazidime + Avibactam work?
Ceftazidime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, while Avibactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Avibactam helps protect Ceftazidime from being degraded by beta-lactamase enzymes, allowing the antibiotic to kill the bacteria effectively.