Fortaz

Generic Name: ceftazidime injection (sef TAY zi deem)

Brand Names: Fortaz, Tazicef

What is Fortaz (ceftazidime injection)?

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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

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 have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, cancer, a stomach or intestinal disorder, if you are malnourished, or if you are allergic to penicillin.

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 medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. 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 health care provider before using Fortaz (ceftazidime injection)?

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

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  cefaclor (Ceclor);

  
  


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  cefadroxil (Duricef);

  
  


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  cefazolin (Ancef);

  
  


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  cefdinir (Omnicef);

  
  


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  cefditoren (Spectracef);

  
  


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  cefprozil (Cefzil);

  
  


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  ceftibuten (Cedax);

  
  


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  cefuroxime (Ceftin);

  
  


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  cephradine (Velosef);

  
  


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  cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

  
  

To make sure you can safely use ceftazidime, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  liver disease;

  
  


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  a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;

  
  


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  diabetes;

  
  


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  congestive heart failure;

  
  


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  if you are allergic to penicillin;

  
  


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  cancer;

  
  


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  if you are malnourished; or

  
  


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  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.

How should I use Fortaz (ceftazidime injection)?

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 medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. 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 miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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 should I avoid while using Fortaz (ceftazidime injection)?

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 (ceftazidime injection) side effects

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:

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  diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  
  


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  swelling, pain, or irritation where the injection was given;

  
  


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  cold feeling, discoloration, or skin changes in your fingers;

  
  


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  seizure (black-out or convulsions);

  
  


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  white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lip;

  
  


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  jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin); or

  
  


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  severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

  
  


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  headache, dizziness;

  
  


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  numbness or tingly feeling; or

  
  


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  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.

What other drugs will affect Fortaz (ceftazidime injection)?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

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  chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin);

  
  


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  diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix); or

  
  


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  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.

More Fortaz resources

• Fortaz Side Effects (in more detail)
• Fortaz Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Fortaz Drug Interactions
• Fortaz Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Fortaz - Add your own review/rating

• Fortaz MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Fortaz Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Fortaz Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Fortaz Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Ceftazidime Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Ceftazidime Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Tazicef Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Fortaz with other medications

• Bacteremia
• Bladder Infection
• Bone infection
• Endocarditis
• Endometritis
• Febrile Neutropenia
• Intraabdominal Infection
• Joint Infection
• Kidney Infections
• Melioidosis
• Meningitis
• Nosocomial Pneumonia
• Otitis Externa
• Otitis Media
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Peritonitis
• Pneumonia
• Pneumonia with Cystic Fibrosis
• Sepsis
• Septicemia
• Sinusitis
• Skin and Structure Infection
• Skin Infection
• Urinary Tract Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ceftazidime injection.

See also: Fortaz side effects (in more detail)