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In this Article

• What is ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?
• What are the possible side effects of ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?
• How should I use ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Fortaz)?
• What happens if I overdose (Fortaz)?
• What should I avoid while using ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?
• What other drugs will affect ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ceftazidime, or to other cephalosporin 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, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use another form of birth control during treatment with 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 ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?

Ceftazidime is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, syringes, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Use the medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions 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 entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. 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 you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftazidime.

Store this medicine 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.