Ceftazidime

INSTRUCTIONS for medical use of the medicinal product CEF TAZIDIM

Composition:

Active substance: ceftazidime;

1 vial contains ceftazidime pentahydrate equivalent to 1000 mg of ceftazidime;

Excipient: sodium carbonate.

Pharmaceutical form. Powder for solution for injection.

Main physicochemical properties: almost white or yellowish powder.

Pharmacotherapeutic group. Antibacterial agents for systemic use. Third-generation cephalosporins. ATC code J01D D02.

Pharmacological properties.

Pharmacodynamics.

Ceftazidime is a bactericidal cephalosporin antibiotic whose mechanism of action is related to inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Acquired resistance to the antibiotic varies across regions and may change over time, with significant differences observed among individual strains. Local data on antibiotic susceptibility should be used whenever possible, especially when treating severe infections.

Susceptible microorganisms

Gram-positive aerobes: Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae.

Gram-negative aerobes: Citrobacter koseri, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria meningitidis, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus spp., Providencia spp.

Strains capable of developing resistance

Gram-negative aerobes: Acinetobacter baumannii, Burkholderia cepacia, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia spp., Morganella morganii.

Gram-positive aerobes: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Gram-positive anaerobes: Clostridium perfringens, Peptococcus spp., Peptostreptococcus spp.

Gram-negative anaerobes: Fusobacterium spp.

Resistant microorganisms

Gram-positive aerobes: Enterococcus spp., including E. faecalis and E. faecium, Listeria spp.

Gram-positive anaerobes: Clostridium difficile.

Gram-negative anaerobes: Bacteroides spp., including B. fragilis.

Others: Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Legionella spp.

Pharmacokinetics.

After intramuscular injection of 1 g, an average peak serum concentration of 37 mg/L is rapidly achieved in patients. Within 5 minutes after intravenous bolus administration of 1 g, average serum concentrations reach 87 mg/L. Therapeutically effective concentrations persist in serum even 8–12 hours after intravenous or intramuscular administration. Plasma protein binding is approximately 10%. Concentrations exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for most common pathogenic microorganisms are achieved in tissues and body fluids such as bone, heart, bile, sputum, intraocular fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, and peritoneal fluid. Ceftazidime rapidly crosses the placenta and is excreted into breast milk. The drug poorly penetrates the intact blood-brain barrier; in the absence of inflammation, drug concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS) are low. However, during meningitis, ceftazidime concentrations in the CNS range from 4–20 mg/L and higher, achieving therapeutic levels.

Ceftazidime is not metabolized in the body. After parenteral administration, high and sustained serum concentrations of ceftazidime are achieved. The elimination half-life is approximately 2 hours. The drug is excreted unchanged, in active form, in urine via glomerular filtration; about 80–90% of the dose is recovered in urine within 24 hours. In patients with impaired renal function, ceftazidime elimination is reduced, necessitating dose adjustment. Less than 1% of the drug is excreted in bile, significantly limiting the amount reaching the intestinal tract.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

Treatment of the following infections in adults and children, including newborns:

• hospital-acquired pneumonia;
• respiratory tract infections in patients with cystic fibrosis;
• bacterial meningitis;
• chronic suppurative otitis media;
• malignant external otitis;
• complicated urinary tract infections;
• complicated skin and soft tissue infections;
• complicated intra-abdominal infections;
• bone and joint infections;
• peritonitis associated with dialysis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Treatment of bacteremia arising in patients as a result of any of the above infections.

Ceftazidime may be used for the treatment of patients with neutropenia and fever resulting from bacterial infection.

Ceftazidime may be used for prophylaxis of infectious complications during urological surgery (transurethral resection of the prostate).

When prescribing ceftazidime, it should be borne in mind that its antibacterial activity is directed primarily against gram-negative aerobes (see sections "Special precautions for use" and "Pharmacological properties").

Ceftazidime should be used in combination with other antibacterial agents if it is expected that some of the microorganisms causing the infection are not covered by the spectrum of ceftazidime.

The drug should be prescribed in accordance with current official recommendations on the use of antibacterial agents.

Contraindications.

Hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or to any of the excipients of the medicinal product.

Hypersensitivity to other cephalosporin antibiotics.

History of severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions) to other beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, monobactams, and carbapenems).

Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions.

Concomitant administration of high doses of the drug with nephrotoxic medicinal products may adversely affect renal function (see section "Special precautions for use").

Chloramphenicol is an antagonist of ceftazidime and other cephalosporins in vitro. The clinical significance of this phenomenon is unknown; however, if concomitant use of the drug with chloramphenicol is proposed, antagonism should be considered.

Like other antibiotics, ceftazidime may affect the intestinal flora, leading to reduced reabsorption of estrogens and decreased efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.

Ceftazidime does not interfere with enzymatic methods for glucose in urine; however, a slight interference may be observed when using copper reduction methods (Benedict, Fehling, "Clinitest").

Ceftazidime does not interfere with the alkaline picrate method for creatinine determination.

Special precautions for use.

As with other beta-lactam antibiotics, severe and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. If severe hypersensitivity reactions occur, ceftazidime therapy should be discontinued immediately and appropriate emergency measures initiated.

Prior to initiating therapy, patients should be questioned about previous hypersensitivity reactions to ceftazidime, cephalosporin antibiotics, or other beta-lactam antibiotics. The drug should be administered with caution to patients who have experienced mild hypersensitivity reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Ceftazidime has a limited antibacterial spectrum. It is not an appropriate agent for monotherapy of certain types of infections, except when the causative pathogen is known to be susceptible to this drug or when there is a high probability that the pathogen will be susceptible to ceftazidime. This is particularly important when considering treatment of patients with bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and bone and joint infections. In addition, ceftazidime is susceptible to hydrolysis by certain extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Therefore, when selecting ceftazidime for therapy, information regarding the prevalence of microorganisms producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases should be taken into account.

Concomitant administration of high doses of cephalosporins and nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycosides or potent diuretics (e.g., furosemide) may adversely affect renal function. Clinical experience with ceftazidime has shown that this is unlikely when recommended dosages are followed. There are no data indicating that ceftazidime adversely affects renal function at usual therapeutic doses.

Ceftazidime is eliminated by the kidneys; therefore, the dose should be reduced according to the degree of renal impairment. Cases of neurological complications have been reported when dosage adjustments were not made (see sections "Dosage and administration" and "Side effects").

As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged treatment may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms (e.g., Candida, Enterococci); in such cases, discontinuation of therapy or other necessary interventions may be required. Close and continuous monitoring of the patient is essential.

Cases of pseudomembranous colitis, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening, have been reported during antibiotic therapy. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhea during or after antibiotic use. If diarrhea is persistent and severe, or if abdominal cramps occur, therapy should be discontinued immediately, further diagnostic evaluation performed, and specific treatment for Clostridium difficile initiated if necessary. Antiperistaltic agents should not be administered.

As with other broad-spectrum cephalosporins and penicillins, some previously susceptible strains of Enterobacter spp. and Serratia spp. may become resistant during ceftazidime therapy. In such cases, periodic susceptibility testing should be performed.

The drug contains sodium (1 g ceftazidime – 52 mg sodium), which should be taken into account when treating patients on a sodium-restricted diet.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Data on ceftazidime use in pregnant women are limited. Animal studies have not indicated any direct or indirect harmful effects on pregnancy, embryonic or postnatal development. The drug should be administered during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Ceftazidime is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but no effects on the breastfed infant are expected with therapeutic doses. Ceftazidime may be used during breastfeeding.

Ability to affect the speed of reactions while driving or operating machinery.

No specific studies have been conducted. However, occurrence of side effects such as dizziness may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery (see section "Side effects").

Administration and dosage.

Adults and children with body weight ≥ 40 kg

Children with body weight <40 kg

*If this is associated or suspected to be associated with infections listed in the section "Indications".

Children

The safety and efficacy of administering Ceftazidime by continuous intravenous infusion in infants and children aged ≤ 2 months have not been established.

Geriatric patients

Due to reduced clearance of ceftazidime, for elderly patients with acute infections, the daily dose generally should not exceed 3 g, especially for patients aged 80 years and older.

Hepatic impairment

Dosage adjustment is not required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Clinical studies in patients with severe hepatic impairment have not been conducted. Careful clinical monitoring of efficacy and safety is recommended.

Renal impairment

Ceftazidime is eliminated unchanged by the kidneys. Therefore, the dose should be reduced in patients with impaired renal function.

The initial dose should be 1 g. The maintenance dose should be based on glomerular filtration rate.

Recommended maintenance doses of ceftazidime in renal impairment: intermittent administration

Adults and children with body weight ≥ 40 kg

For patients with severe infections, the single dose may be increased by 50%, or the frequency of administration may be increased accordingly; in such patients, monitoring of ceftazidime serum levels is recommended.

In children, creatinine clearance should be adjusted according to body surface area or body weight.

Children with body weight < 40 kg

*This is the serum creatinine level calculated according to recommendations, and it may not precisely reflect the degree of renal function impairment in all patients with renal insufficiency.

** Creatinine clearance calculated based on body surface area or measured.

Careful clinical monitoring of efficacy and safety of use is recommended.

Recommended maintenance doses of ceftazidime in renal insufficiency: continuous infusion

Adults and children with body weight ≥ 40 kg

Dose selection should be cautious. Careful clinical monitoring of efficacy and safety of use is recommended.

Children with body weight < 40 kg

The safety and efficacy of administering the drug by continuous intravenous infusion in children with body weight < 40 kg and impaired renal function have not been established. Careful clinical monitoring of efficacy and safety of use is recommended.

If administration of the drug by continuous intravenous infusion is required in children with impaired renal function, creatinine clearance should be adjusted according to the child's body surface area or body weight.

Hemodialysis

The serum half-life of ceftazidime during hemodialysis ranges from 3 to 5 hours.

After each hemodialysis session, a maintenance dose of ceftazidime as recommended in the table below should be administered.

Peritoneal dialysis

Ceftazidime can be used during peritoneal dialysis, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

In addition to intravenous administration, ceftazidime can be added to the dialysis fluid (usually 125 to 250 mg per 2 L of dialysis solution).

For patients with renal insufficiency undergoing prolonged arteriovenous hemofiltration or high-flux hemofiltration in intensive care units, the recommended dose is 1 g daily as a single dose or divided doses. For low-flux hemofiltration, doses should be adjusted as in renal impairment.

Dosing recommendations for patients undergoing venovenous hemofiltration and venovenous hemodialysis are provided in the tables below.

Dosing recommendations for ceftazidime in patients undergoing prolonged venovenous hemofiltration

The maintenance dose should be administered every 12 hours.

Dosing recommendations for ceftazidime in patients undergoing prolonged venovenous hemodialysis

The maintenance dose should be administered every 12 hours.

Administration.

Ceftazidime should be administered intravenously by injection or infusion, or by deep intramuscular injection. Recommended sites for intramuscular administration are the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus muscle or the lateral part of the thigh.

Solutions of ceftazidime may be administered directly into the vein or into an intravenous infusion system if the patient is receiving parenteral fluids.

The dosage depends on the severity of the infection, the sensitivity, site, and type of infection, as well as on the patient's age and renal function.

Acquired resistance to the antibiotic varies in different regions and may change over time, and may differ significantly among individual strains. Local data on antibiotic susceptibility are recommended, especially when treating severe infections.

Preparation of injection solution

Ceftazidime is compatible with most intravenous infusion solutions. However, sodium bicarbonate for injection should not be used as a solvent (see section "Incompatibilities").

All vial sizes are manufactured under reduced pressure. As the drug dissolves, carbon dioxide is released, increasing the pressure inside the vial. Small bubbles of carbon dioxide in the reconstituted solution can be disregarded.

*Dissolution should be carried out in two steps (see below).

The solution colour varies from light yellow to amber depending on concentration, solvent, and storage conditions. Provided the recommendations are followed, the drug's efficacy is not affected by variations in its colouration.

Ceftazidime at concentrations from 1 to 40 mg/mL is compatible with the following solutions: 0.9% sodium chloride solution; M/6 sodium lactate solution; Hartmann's solution; 5% glucose solution; 0.225% sodium chloride and 5% glucose solution; 0.45% sodium chloride and 5% glucose solution; 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose solution; 0.18% sodium chloride and 4% glucose solution; 10% glucose solution; 10% dextran 40% and 0.9% sodium chloride solution; 10% dextran 40% and 5% glucose solution; 6% dextrin 70% and 0.9% sodium chloride solution; 6% dextrin 70% and 5% glucose solution.

Ceftazidime at concentrations from 0.05 to 0.25 mg/mL is compatible with peritoneal dialysis fluid (lactate).

For intramuscular administration, ceftazidime can be dissolved in 0.5% or 1% lidocaine hydrochloride solution.

The stability of both drugs is maintained when ceftazidime at a concentration of 4 mg/mL is mixed with the following substances: hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone sodium phosphate) 1 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection solution or 0.5% glucose solution; cefuroxime (cefuroxime sodium) 3 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection solution; cloxacillin (cloxacillin sodium) 4 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection solution; heparin 10 or 50 IU/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection solution; potassium chloride 10 or 40 mEq/L in 0.9% sodium chloride injection solution.

Preparation of solution for intramuscular or intravenous bolus injection:

1. Insert the needle of the syringe through the vial stopper and add the recommended volume of solvent.
2. Remove the syringe needle and shake the vial until a clear solution is obtained.
3. Invert the vial. With the syringe plunger fully depressed, insert the needle into the vial. Withdraw the entire solution into the syringe, keeping the needle tip submerged in the solution at all times. Small bubbles of carbon dioxide can be disregarded.

Preparation of solution for intravenous infusion

1. Insert the needle of the syringe through the vial stopper and add 10 mL of solvent.
2. Remove the syringe needle and shake the vial until a clear solution is obtained.
3. Do not insert the air vent needle through the stopper until the drug is completely dissolved. Insert the air vent needle through the stopper into the vial to relieve internal pressure.
4. Without removing the air vent needle, adjust the total volume to 50 mL. Remove the air vent needle, shake the vial, and set up the infusion system as usual.

Note. To ensure sterility of the preparation, it is essential not to insert the air vent needle through the stopper before the drug is fully dissolved.

The prepared solution may be stored for 24 hours at temperatures below 25°C or for 7 days at temperatures up to 4°C.

Children.

Administer to children from the first days of life.

Overdose.

Overdose may lead to neurological complications such as encephalopathy, seizures, and coma. Symptoms of overdose may occur in patients with renal impairment if the dose is not appropriately reduced (see sections "Method of administration and dosage" and "Special instructions"). Serum concentrations of ceftazidime can be reduced by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Adverse Reactions

Adverse effects have been classified by organ systems and frequency of occurrence: very common ≥ (1/10); common ≥ (1/100) and < (1/10); uncommon ≥ (1/1000) and < (1/100); rare ≥ (1/10000) and < (1/1000); very rare < (1/10000); frequency not known.

Infections and infestations

Uncommon – candidiasis (including vaginitis and aphthous stomatitis).

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common – eosinophilia and thrombocytosis.

Uncommon – leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Frequency not known – lymphocytosis, hemolytic anemia, and agranulocytosis.

Immune system disorders

Frequency not known – anaphylaxis (including bronchospasm and/or arterial hypotension).

Nervous system disorders

Uncommon – dizziness, headache.

Frequency not known – paresthesia.

Neurological complications such as tremor, myoclonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and coma have been reported in patients with renal impairment who did not receive an appropriately reduced dose of ceftazidime.

Vascular disorders

Common – phlebitis or thrombophlebitis at the site of injection.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common – diarrhea.

Uncommon – nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and colitis.

As with other cephalosporins, colitis may be associated with Clostridium difficile and may present as pseudomembranous colitis (see section "Special precautions").

Frequency not known – taste disturbances.

Renal and urinary disorders

Very rare – interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure.

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common – transient elevation of one or more liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase).

Frequency not known – jaundice.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common – maculopapular rash or urticaria.

Uncommon – pruritus.

Frequency not known – angioneurotic edema, polymorphic erythema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common – pain and/or inflammation at the site of intramuscular injection.

Uncommon – fever.

Laboratory findings

Common – positive Coombs test.

Uncommon – transient increase in blood urea, blood urea nitrogen, and/or serum creatinine.

A positive Coombs test occurs in approximately 5% of patients and may interfere with blood group determination.

Shelf life.

2 years (from the date of manufacture in bulk).

Storage conditions.

Store in the original packaging, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C.

Incompatibilities.

Ceftazidime is less stable in solutions of injectable sodium bicarbonate than in other intravenous solutions; therefore, sodium bicarbonate is not recommended as a solvent.

Ceftazidime and aminoglycosides should not be mixed in the same infusion system or syringe.

Cases of precipitate formation have been observed when vancomycin was added to a ceftazidime solution. Therefore, infusion systems and intravenous catheters should be flushed between administration of these two drugs.

Packaging. 25 or 50 vials with powder in a cardboard box.

Prescription status. Prescription only.

Manufacturer. LLC "AVANT" (packaging from bulk form by Zeiss Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., India).

Manufacturer's address and location of manufacturing site.

14 Eugene Poteie Street, Kyiv, Ukraine, 03057.