Tazobactam and Ceftazidime were approved by the US FDA in 1994 for treating various bacterial infections. Ceftazidime is a cephalosporin antibiotic with activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that enhances the activity of ceftazidime by protecting it from degradation by certain beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria.

Tazobactam and ceftazidime is used for the treatment of infections of the lungs, skin and skin structures, urinary tract, abdomen, brain, spinal cord, blood, ear, and female genital tract, prevents infections during prostate surgery and in treating febrile neutropenia.

Tazobactam and ceftazidime are available in one injection dosage form with concentration of ceftazidime at 1 gram and tazobactam at 125 mg respectively.  It is given by a doctor or nurse into a vein and should not be self-administered. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. 

Like any other drug, tazobactam and ceftazidime also have some side effects. The most common side effects people may experience are Diarrhea, Swelling and redness along a vein, Itchiness, Pain, burning, swelling, or inflammation at the injection site, Increased levels of eosinophils (type of white blood cells), Increase in the number of cells that help the blood to clot and Increased level of liver enzymes. Keep an eye out for these signs and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of them while receiving therapy.

It is not recommended to take this medication if you are allergic to the active substance tazobactam and ceftazidime and its components. Extended usage could lead to the proliferation of insensitive species, such as fungus. If superinfection happens, take the necessary actions into account.There have been reports of elevated liver enzymes. Those with hepatic impairment should have their liver function monitored.Since the medicine is mostly eliminated through the kidneys, caution is recommended in patients with renal impairment. Reductions in dosage can be required depending on renal function.

Tell your doctor if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Your healthcare team will carefully assess whether to use the medicine during lactation and pregnancy. During therapy, it's critical to be well hydrated, especially since some medications may require fluid administration. By doing this, such adverse effects may be avoided..Furthermore, avoid using machinery or driving while receiving therapy if you feel lightheaded, and consult your doctor right away. It is really important to be safe, so make sure you discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare professional.

Inform your doctor if you are going to monitor blood or urine tests for sugar levels. It may interact with the patient's result. Inform your doctor immediately if you have a severe allergic reaction like itchy rash, swelling, and difficulty in breathing. It is recommended to drink enough water and take electrolytes to compensate for the loss due to the diarrhea.

1. Wockhardt UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2021] [Accessed on 16 Dec 2023], 103276-8.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
2. Wockhardt UK Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2021] [Accessed on 16 Dec 2023], 106648-6.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Beta-Lactam Antibiotics, 7th edition, 2013,725.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics, Penicillins, Cephalosporins and other Beta-Lactam Antibiotics, 12th edition, 2011, 1498.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.