Ceftazidime (CAZ)

Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Like other third-generation cephalosporins, it has broad spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Unlike most third-generation agents, it is active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, however it has weaker activity against Gram-positive microorganisms and is not used for such infections. Ceftazidime is usually reserved for the treatment of infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is also used in the empirical therapy of febrile neutropenia, in combination with other antibiotics. Ceftazidine is first line treatment for the rare tropical infection, melioidosis. In addition to the syn-configuration of the imino side chain, compared to other third-generation cephalosporins, the more complex moiety confers extra stability to β-lactamase enzymes produced by many Gram-negative bacteria.