What is the brand name for ceftazidime (Fortaz)?

Brand Name for Ceftazidime

The brand name for ceftazidime is Fortaz. Ceftazidime is also marketed under other brand names including Ceptaz, Tazicef, and Tazidime 1, 2.

Overview of Ceftazidime

• Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria 1
• It is particularly active against Enterobacteriaceae (including beta-lactamase-positive strains) and is resistant to hydrolysis by most beta-lactamases 1
• Ceftazidime has been historically recognized as one of the most active cephalosporins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1, 2

Formulations and Administration

• Ceftazidime is administered parenterally (intravenously or intramuscularly) 1
• It is also available in combination with avibactam as ceftazidime-avibactam, which has enhanced activity against certain resistant organisms 3

Clinical Applications

• Ceftazidime is used for various infections including:

  • Complicated urinary tract infections 3, 4
  • Lower respiratory tract infections 1, 2
  • Intra-abdominal infections 3
  • Meningitis 2
  • Bone and joint infections 2
  • Skin and soft tissue infections 2

• Ceftazidime-avibactam has been recommended for:

  • Treatment of complicated urinary tract infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) 3
  • Hospital-acquired pneumonia including ventilator-associated infections 3

Antimicrobial Spectrum

• Highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1, 2
• Less active against Gram-positive organisms compared to first and second-generation cephalosporins 1
• Limited activity against anaerobes 2
• Inactive against Enterococcus faecalis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 2

Pharmacokinetics

• Half-life of approximately 1.9 hours 2
• Primarily excreted unchanged through glomerular filtration 2
• Penetrates well into most body tissues and fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid 2
• Dose adjustment required in patients with renal impairment 2

Important Considerations

• Resistance to ceftazidime has increased over time, particularly among Enterobacteriaceae due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases 5
• For ceftazidime-avibactam, resistance has been reported in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is a concern for treatment of carbapenem-resistant infections 3
• When treating serious infections, combination therapy may be considered, particularly in immunocompromised patients 6

Adverse Effects

• Generally well-tolerated with few serious adverse effects 1, 2
• Unlike aminoglycosides, ceftazidime does not require routine drug plasma concentration monitoring 1
• Minimal effects on prothrombin synthesis and platelet function 2
• No significant nephrotoxicity reported in comparative studies 4