Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
Brand Name :
Tazicef, Fortaz, Tazidime
Synonyms :
ceftazidime
Class :
Cephalosporins
Dosage Forms & Strengths 
Injectable solution
20mg/mL
40mg/mL
powder for injection
500mg
1g
2g
6g
Dosage Forms & Strengths 
Injectable solution
20mg/mL
40mg/mL
powder for injection
500mg
1g
2g
6g
Refer to adult dosing
ceftazidime has the potential to reduce the rate of excretion of idebenone, leading to an elevation in levels of serum
When loracarbef is used together with ceftazidime, the risk or seriousness of nephrotoxicity is enhanced
When ceftazidime is used together with piroxicam, this leads to increased risk or seriousness of nephrotoxicity
When cefmenoxime is used together with ceftazidime, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of nephrotoxicity
When ceftazidime is used together with proglumetacin, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of nephrotoxicity
When ceftazidime is used together with benoxaprofen, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of nephrotoxicity
ceftazidime leads to a reduction in the rate of excretion of eucalyptus oil which leads to increased level of serum
ceftazidime leads to a reduction in the rate of excretion of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, which leads to an increased level of serum
ceftazidime leads to a reduction in the rate of excretion of potassium acetate, which leads to an increased level of serum
ceftazidime leads to a reduction in the rate of excretion of nitric oxide, which leads to an increased level of serum
When ceftazidime is used together with difenpiramide, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of nephrotoxicity
ceftazidime: it may decrease the excretion rate of isepamicin
ceftazidime may decrease the excretion rate of almasilate, leading to higher serum levels
may increase the nephrotoxic effect
ceftazidime might lead to a reduction in the rate of excretion of telavancin, potentially leading to elevated levels of serum
Actions and Spectrum:
ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is active against a wide range of gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. ceftazidime also has activity against some gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae.
It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the death of the bacteria. ceftazidime is given intravenously or intramuscularly and is used to treat a variety of infections, including sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. It is not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
Frequency Defined Â
1-10% Â
Eosinophilia (<7%)
Immune hypersensitivity reaction (2%)
Diarrhea (<2%)
Phlebitis (<2%)
Transient increases in transaminases (3-9%)
Thrombocytosis (2%)
Rash (2%)
<1% Â
Angioedema
Coma
Asterixis
Dizziness
Fever
Abdominal pain
Encephalopathy
Agranulocytosis
Hallucinations
Leukopenia
Increased serum concentrations of bilirubin
Black Box Warning
ceftazidime, a cephalosporin antibiotic, carries a black box warning for the potential risk of severe and life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindications:
ceftazidime is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components.
It should not be used in patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to other cephalosporins.
Cautions:
ceftazidime should be used with caution in patients with a history of allergic reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins or cephalosporins.
It should also be used with caution in patients with a history of bleeding disorders, as the drug may increase the risk of bleeding.
Patients with renal impairment may require dosage adjustments and close monitoring of kidney function while taking ceftazidime.
ceftazidime may interfere with certain lab test results, so patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are taking this medication before undergoing any lab tests.
Pregnancy warnings:   
US FDA pregnancy category: B
Lactation:  
Excreted into human milk is known.
Pregnancy Categories:        
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.
Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology: 
ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pharmacodynamics: 
The mechanism of action of ceftazidime is similar to that of other cephalosporins, in that it interferes with the bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin binding proteins on the bacterial cell surface. This binding leads to the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis and ultimately to the death of the bacterial cell.
Pharmacokinetics:  
Absorption 
ceftazidime is administered intravenously (IV) and is poorly absorbed when given orally.
Distribution 
It is widely distributed throughout the body and is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier
Metabolism 
It is not metabolized and is eliminated unchanged by the body
Elimination and Excretion 
ceftazidime is primarily eliminated by the kidneys through urine. It has a half-life of about 2-4 hours
Administration: 
IV administration
ceftazidime is an antibiotic medication that is typically administered intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital or clinical setting. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the specific infection being treated, as well as the patient’s age, weight, and overall health.
Common adult dosage for serious infections:
Common pediatric dosage for serious infections:
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: ceftazidime
Why do we use ceftazidime?
ceftazidime is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:
ceftazidime belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, which work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and causing the bacteria to die. ceftazidime is often used when other antibiotics have failed to treat a specific infection or when the infection is caused by a bacterium that is resistant to other antibiotics.