What is Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Ceftazidime is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.
Ceftazidime injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.
Ceftazidime may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ceftazidime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, cancer, a stomach or intestinal disorder, or if you are malnourished.
Ceftazidime can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while using ceftazidime.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Ceftazidime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
This medication can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftazidime.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ceftazidime, or to similar antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor)
• cefadroxil (Duricef)
• cefdinir (Omnicef)
• cefditoren (Spectracef)
• cefixime (Suprax)
• cefprozil (Cefzil)
• cefuroxime (Ceftin)
• cephalexin (Keflex); and others

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis
• diabetes
• congestive heart failure
• cancer
• if you are malnourished; or
• if you have had a very recent surgery or medical emergency

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Ceftazidime can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while using ceftazidime.
Ceftazidime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Fortaz Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• swelling, pain, or irritation where the injection was given
• cold feeling, discoloration, or skin changes in your fingers
• seizure (black-out or convulsions)
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lip; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
• headache, dizziness
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• vaginal itching or discharge

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fortaz Interactions

What other drugs affect Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Before using ceftazidime, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
• diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix); or
• an antibiotic such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab), streptomycin, or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi)

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ceftazidime. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal
products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking ceftazidime and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Fortaz Dosage

How should I take Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Ceftazidime is injected into a muscle or vein. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, syringes, and other items used in giving the medicine.
Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You may need to mix ceftazidime with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftazidime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medication can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftazidime.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If your medicine was provided in a frozen form or was frozen after mixing, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Use the medicine as soon as possible after thawing it. Do not refreeze.

What happens if I overdose on Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include muscle stiffness, restless feeling, confusion, uncontrolled movement of the hands, seizure, and coma.

What happens if I miss a dose of Fortaz (Ceftazidime)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
If you are receiving this medication at a clinic, call your doctor if you miss an appointment for your injection.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com