Ceftazidime
Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections caused by susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. It is particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other hospital-acquired pathogens. This medication is administered by injection or infusion and is commonly used for infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, abdomen, skin, and soft tissues, as well as meningitis and bone/joint infections.
Ceftazidime is an injectable cephalosporin antibiotic that fights serious gram-negative bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas, by disrupting cell wall synthesis.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01DD02
- RxNorm
- 2191
- Generic
- Ceftazidime
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Avycaz, Fortaz, Tazicef
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1-2g every 8 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 30-50mg/kg every 8 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1g every 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
all trimestersstandard dosing
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
consider temporary discontinuation or monitor infant for changes in gut flora
observe infant for diarrhea or thrush
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderadjust based on renal function
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates and infantsweight-based dosing
use appropriate weight-based dosing; adjust for premature infants
monitor renal function in neonates
renal_impairment
moderate to severedose reduction required
reduce dose based on creatinine clearance; for CrCl 30-50 mL/min give 1g every 12h; for CrCl 10-30 mL/min give 1g every 24h; for CrCl less than 10 mL/min give 500mg every 24h
frequent renal function monitoring and drug level monitoring if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Available formulations
Available dosage forms
Treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including pneumonia (hospital-acquired), complicated urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and bacterial meningitis. Particularly useful for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other nosocomial pathogens.
Ceftazidime is a bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. It has enhanced stability against many beta-lactamases compared to earlier cephalosporins, allowing it to remain effective against certain penicillinase- and cephalosporinase-producing organisms.
Administered intravenously or intramuscularly only. Use with caution in patients with penicillin allergy due to potential cross-reactivity. May cause allergic reactions, diarrhea (including C. difficile), and fungal superinfections. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with renal impairment. Resistance can develop with prolonged use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy