Ceftazidime Review

The chemistry, in vitro activity, adverse effects, and clinical indications for the new third-generation cephalosporin, ceftazidime, are reviewed. Ceftazidime appears to have a unique place among the third-generation agents in the treatment of some infectious processes caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It does not demonstrate superiority to other third-generation drugs against Enterobacteriaceae, aerobic gram-positive cocci, or anaerobes. It is eliminated renally and is similar to ceftizoxime, cefoperazone, and moxalactam in half-life. Ceftazidime shares the safety profile of most of the cephalosporins, and has not been shown to have an effect on prothrombin or produce the disulfuram reaction seen with moxalactam and cefoperazone. Specific indications for its use are discussed.