Ceftazidime
Ceftazidime is a beta-lactam antibacterial. Formulation, species and infection site determine its clinical use.
Group
Third-generation antipseudomonal cephalosporin
Mechanism of Action
Binds penicillin-binding proteins and disrupts bacterial cell-wall synthesis.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 25 mg/kg | IV, SC, IM | Every 8 h | Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections may sting. |
| Antibacterial infusion — Loading | 2 mg/kg | IV | Once | |
| Antibacterial infusion — Maintenance | 2 mg/kg/hour | IV | Continuous | |
| Gram-negative infection | 25 mg/kg | IM, SC | Every 8–12 h | |
| Orthopedic infection | 25 mg/kg | IV, IM | Every 8–12 h | |
| Soft-tissue infection | 30–50 mg/kg | IV, IM | Every 8–12 h | |
| Sepsis or bacteremia | 15–30 mg/kg | IV, IM | Every 6–8 h |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 25 mg/kg | IV, SC, IM | Every 8 h | Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections may sting. |
| Antibacterial infusion — Loading | 2 mg/kg | IV | Once | |
| Antibacterial infusion — Maintenance | 2 mg/kg/hour | IV | Continuous | |
| Systemic infection | 25–30 mg/kg | IV, IM, IO | Every 8–12 h |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 20 mg/kg | IV, IM | Every 8 h |
Reptiles
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 20 mg/kg | IM, SC | Every 72 h |
Snakes
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 20 mg/kg | IM | Every 72 h | Regimen studied around 30°C; maintain an appropriate species-specific thermal environment. |
Chelonians
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | 50 mg/kg | IM | Every 24 h |
Indications
- Susceptible gram-negative and Pseudomonas infections
Contraindications
- Cephalosporin hypersensitivity; assess prior severe beta-lactam allergy.
Interactions
- Avoid mixing with other drugs in the same vial or syringe unless compatibility is established.
- Aminoglycosides can inactivate the drug in mixtures; vancomycin can precipitate.
Adverse effects
- Hypersensitivity
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Injection-site reactions with parenteral products
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceftazidime 500 mg vial Strength is per vial; no final mL concentration is implied. | Injection | 500 mg / vial | IV, SC, IM |
| Ceftazidime 1000 mg vial Strength is per vial; no final mL concentration is implied. | Injection | 1000 mg / vial | IV, SC, IM |
| Ceftazidime 2000 mg vial Strength is per vial; no final mL concentration is implied. | Injection | 2000 mg / vial | IV, SC, IM |
| Ceftazidime 6000 mg vial Strength is per vial; no final mL concentration is implied. | Injection | 6000 mg / vial | IV, SC, IM |
Monitoring and Administration
Choose treatment using organism identity, infection site and susceptibility testing. Reassess clinical response and renal function where impaired clearance may increase exposure.
Food-animal authorization and withdrawal periods depend on the exact formulation, species, regimen and jurisdiction; do not transfer foreign approvals or residue intervals to another product.
Some sodium-carbonate vials release carbon dioxide during reconstitution and require venting. Lidocaine reconstitution is for IM delivery only. In sterile water the described stability is 12 hours at room temperature or 3 days refrigerated; other testing reports 5 refrigerated days. Original-container frozen solution at −20°C is described for 3 months; do not refreeze.
Stability differs between sodium-carbonate and arginine preparations. A separate product description supports 24 hours at room temperature (18 hours for an arginine formulation) and seven days refrigerated; these must not replace a shorter period on the actual preparation.
Avoid sodium bicarbonate as diluent. Never use lidocaine-containing reconstitution fluid for IV delivery.