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Tazicef

Generic name: ceftazidime (injection) [sef-TAY-zi-deem]
Brand names: Fortaz, Tazicef, and Tazicef ADD-Vantage
Class of drugs: third-generation cephalosporins

What is Ceftazidime?

Ceftazidime is a cephalosporin (SEF is a low-spore antibiotic) that is used to treat a variety of kinds of bacterial infections, including serious or life-threatening ones. Ceftazidime is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.

Side effects of Ceftazidime

See a doctor immediately. If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergy (hives or itching, feeling lightheaded, wheezing or having difficulty breathing, swelling on your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and throat soreness, eye burning, irritation, red or purple eruption with peeling and blisters),

Tazicef may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:

  • Extreme stomach pains; diarrhea that is bloody or watery (even if it's months after the previous dose);
  • Skin that is pale, yellow, or pale deep colored, hot or dark urine, or weakness;
  • Hallucinations, confusion, and extreme weakness
  • Involuntary muscle movement
  • Seizure (blackout or convulsions); or
  • You may experience a cold sensation, discoloration, or skin changes on your fingers.

Common adverse effects of Tazicef could include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain;
  • Headache, dizziness;
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or
  • Indications of symptoms of a fungal disease—sores or white patches on the throat or mouth and vaginal discharge, itching, or vaginal

This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ceftazidime could cause severe or even life-threatening allergies. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any allergic reaction to an antibiotic, specifically penicillin.

Before you start taking this medicine

Ceftazidime may cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. You should not make use of Tazicef. If you've ever suffered a severe reaction to antibiotics, like

  • Cefadroxil, cefdinir, cefoxitin, cefprozil, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, cephalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others;
  • Avibactam and relebactam; sulbactam, vaborbactam, and many more; or
  • Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Moxatag), ampicillin, dicloxacillin, and oxacillin penicillin, as well as others.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

  • An allergy or sensitivity to any medication (especially penicillin);
  • Kidney disease;
  • Liver disease;
  • Bleeding issues as well as
  • If you are malnourished.

Consult your physician if you are nursing or pregnant.

 

How to take Ceftazidime?

Follow the directions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions. Make sure you use the medication precisely as directed. Ceftazidime is instilled into a vein. If you take this medication at home, consult your physician or pharmacist if it is difficult to know how to apply an injection.

Make an injection only if you are prepared to administer it. Inform your pharmacist if the medicine appears to have changed color or contains particles. Don't reuse needles or syringes. Put them in an impervious to puncture "sharps" container and dispose of it according to local or state laws. Keep them out of the reach of pets and children.

This medicine may affect the outcomes of certain tests. Inform any physician who treats you that you're taking ceftazidime. Use this medicine even if symptoms rapidly improve. Inadequate doses can make your illness immune to medications. Ceftazidime is not a treatment for the symptoms of a virus (the flu or a common cold). The IV bag should be kept in a fridge and used within three days. Don't freeze it.

Remove the bag from the refrigerator and allow it to be at room temperature prior to use. The medication must be consumed within 12 hours from the time it has reached ambient temperature.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as quickly as you are able, but take a break from your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't use two doses at once. If you're receiving this medication in an office, contact your doctor if you don't make an appointment for the injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include muscle stiffness, uncontrolled muscle movements, seizures, or coma.

Avoid this

The use of antibiotics can cause diarrhea. Consult your physician if you suffer from diarrhea that is fluid or bloody.

Interaction with other drugs

Other drugs can interact with ceftazidime. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about any other medications you are taking.