Zavicefta (Ceftazidime And Avibactam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Zavicefta Used For?
Zavicefta is a powerful antibiotic combination used to fight serious bacterial infections that other antibiotics might not be able to treat effectively.
Primary Uses
Zavicefta is used to treat serious infections of the tissues and organs within the stomach, urinary tract or kidney infections in adults and children from 3 months old, and certain serious lung infections in adults.
How It Works
Zavicefta contains two active ingredients: ceftazidime (an antibiotic) and avibactam (which helps the antibiotic work better against resistant bacteria).
How to Take Zavicefta
Zavicefta is given as an injection into your vein by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide the exact dose of Zavicefta you need based on the type of infection, your age, body weight (for children), and whether you have kidney problems. Treatment is usually given every day for 5 to 14 days.
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:
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- changes in taste or metallic taste
- itchy skin
- skin rash or hives
- dizziness
- headache
- fever
- white furry layer on tongue
- unusual vaginal discharge
- redness, pain or swelling at injection site
- liver or kidney problems (shown in blood tests)
- blood cell or clotting problems (shown in blood tests)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of face, lips, mouth or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- severe abdominal pain
- persistent or worsening diarrhea, especially with blood or mucus
- rash or hives with weight gain, increased urination, and night urination
- changes in urine volume
- numbness or tingling sensation
- severe skin reactions with painful red areas, blisters, peeling skin
- swelling of limbs, face, lips, mouth or throat
- yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting treatment with Zavicefta.
Who Should Not Take Zavicefta
Do not use Zavicefta if you are allergic to ceftazidime, avibactam, sodium carbonate, or any ingredients in this medicine. Also avoid if you have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin or similar antibiotics.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, anemia, are on a controlled sodium diet, have had severe diarrhea after taking antibiotics, or are taking other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Zavicefta works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking.
- probenecid (used to prevent gout)
- aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin and tobramycin)
- cephalosporin antibiotics (such as cefazolin and ceftazidime)
- chloramphenicol (used to treat eye infections)
- diuretics like furosemide (water pills)
Alcohol & Driving
Zavicefta may affect your ability to perform certain activities safely.
Alcohol
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Zavicefta.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Zavicefta affects you, as it may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Storage
Store Zavicefta in its original carton at temperatures below 30°C until ready for use. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. This medicine is for single patient use only – any unused medicine should be discarded.
Overdose Information
If you think too much Zavicefta has been given, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zavicefta is given daily for 5 to 14 days depending on your infection. Your doctor will determine the exact length of treatment needed.
No, Zavicefta must be given as an injection into your vein by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Yes, Zavicefta can be used in children from 3 months of age. The dose will be adjusted based on the child’s age and body weight.
Call your doctor immediately if you develop severe diarrhea, especially if it contains blood or mucus. This can occur even weeks after treatment has stopped.
Yes, but tell your doctor or nurse that you are being treated with Zavicefta before any blood tests, as it may affect some test results.
You should not receive Zavicefta if you have had a serious allergic reaction to penicillin or similar antibiotics. Tell your doctor about any antibiotic allergies.
Tell your doctor if you are on a controlled sodium diet, as Zavicefta contains sodium bicarbonate which may affect your sodium intake.
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.