Ceftazidime Viatris (Ceftazidime (As Pentahydrate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ceftazidime Viatris Used For?
Ceftazidime Viatris is an antibiotic medication used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections throughout your body.
Primary Uses
This medication treats bacterial infections affecting the chest (bronchitis or pneumonia), ears, nose, throat, bladder and urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, stomach, or bones.
How It Works
Ceftazidime belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporins. It works by killing the bacteria that cause these infections.
Good to know: Ceftazidime Viatris is not addictive.
How to Take Ceftazidime Viatris
Ceftazidime Viatris will always be prepared and given to you by a doctor or healthcare professional in a medical setting.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the right dosage based on the severity and type of infection, your weight, age, and how well your kidneys are working. The medication is injected deep into muscle tissue or into a vein. When injected into a vein, it may be given directly or through a ‘drip’. Treatment should continue for as long as recommended by your doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this medication is given by healthcare professionals in a medical setting, missed doses are unlikely. Your healthcare team will ensure you receive your medication as scheduled.
Important: This medication is only given by medical professionals – you cannot self-administer it.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Skin problems (rash, red spots, itching, skin lumps, hives, blisters, or peeling)
- Swelling of eyelids, face, or lips
- Diarrhea (even several weeks after treatment)
- High temperature (fever)
- Difficulty breathing
- Bruising or bleeding
- Shaking or muscle twitches
- Allergic reaction symptoms (wheezing, swelling of lips/mouth, difficulty breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash, fainting)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Pain or flaking skin where injection was given
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bad taste in mouth
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Vaginal discharge or genital itching
- Reduced ability to think clearly or concentrate, memory loss, drowsiness, seizures, muscle twitches, and personality change (may be related to encephalopathy)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving Ceftazidime Viatris.
Who Should Not Take Ceftazidime Viatris
You must not receive this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medicines containing cephalosporins or penicillins, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; take any other medications; have kidney problems, liver problems, colitis, or any other stomach or bowel illness. Also inform your doctor if you’re scheduled for urine or blood tests or blood transfusions, as this medication can alter test results.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so they can discuss risks and benefits. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Ceftazidime Viatris passes into breast milk in low concentrations and should only be given to breastfeeding women if clearly needed. Watch for signs of diarrhea or other illness in your baby.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Ceftazidime Viatris or affect how well it works.
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Diuretics (fluid or water tablets)
- Chloramphenicol antibiotic (both medicines can stop each other working)
- Oral contraceptives (‘the pill’)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness while receiving Ceftazidime Viatris.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Ceftazidime Viatris affects you. Certain side effects like dizziness and convulsions have been reported, which may affect your ability to drive and use machines.
Storage
Ceftazidime Viatris will be stored in the pharmacy or hospital ward. Before opening, store in original package at temperature below 25°C, protected from light. After reconstitution, use as soon as possible or store at 2-8°C for no more than 24 hours. This is a single-use medicine – any unused solution should be discarded. Keep away from heat, dampness, and out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
Since your dose will be determined and given by medical specialists, overdose is very unlikely. However, if overdose occurs, your healthcare team will provide appropriate treatment. If you suspect overdose, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication begins working immediately to kill bacteria causing your infection. Your doctor will determine how long treatment should continue based on your specific infection.
Since this medication is given by injection into muscle or vein by healthcare professionals, food intake does not affect its administration.
No, Ceftazidime Viatris is not addictive.
Tell your doctor about any allergies to cephalosporins or penicillins, other medical conditions (especially kidney, liver, or bowel problems), other medications you’re taking, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some medications may interfere with Ceftazidime Viatris, including aminoglycoside antibiotics, diuretics, chloramphenicol, and oral contraceptives. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Contact your doctor or nurse if you experience less serious side effects that worry you. For serious side effects like severe headache, confusion, seizures, or signs of encephalopathy, call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department.
The medication is stored as a powder in the pharmacy or hospital ward below 25°C, protected from light. Healthcare professionals reconstitute it with sterile water before injection, creating a clear, light yellow to amber solution.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.