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Brand Names: Fortaz, Tazicef

Generic Name: ceftazidime injection (Pronunciation: sef TAY zi deem)

• 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 is ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ceftazidime injection (Fortaz)?

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 any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• swelling, pain, or irritation where the injection was given;
• cold feeling, discoloration, or skin changes in your fingers;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lip; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• headache, dizziness;
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

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 are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, cancer, a stomach or intestinal disorder, or if you are malnourished.

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.

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.

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 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.