cefTAZidime

Disclaimer to the Online Edition

This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.

cefTAZidime

Indication

  • A third-generation cephalosporin used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative organisms (E.G. E. coli, H. influenzae, Neisseria, Klebsiella, Proteus species) and especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Dosage Guidelines

Post-natal Age

Weight less than 1.2 kg

Weight 1.2 kg or over

0 to 7 days

50 mg/kg/dose IV q12 hours

50 mg/kg/dose IV q12 hours

Greater than 7 days

50 mg/kg/dose IV q12 hours

50 mg/kg/dose IV q8 hours

Administration

  • IV intermittent slow infusion over 30 minutes:
  • To make 20 mL of a 40 mg/mL solution:
  1. Reconstitution: add 10 mL sterile water for injection to 1 g vial (concentration = 100 mg/mL)
  2. Draw up 8 mL of the 100 mg/mL reconstituted solution
  3. Add to 12 mL of D5W to make a total volume of 20 mL (Final concentration = 40 mg/mL)

Adverse Effects

  • Rare, but include rash, diarrhea, elevated hepatic transaminases, and positive Coombs test
  • Transient leucopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia

Comments

Reduce dose frequency in renal impairment

Supplied As

  • 1 g vial
  • 40 mg/mL syringe, prepared by Pharmacy