ceftazidime

Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin, a type of antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of a structural component of the bacterial cell wall. Cephalosporins are derived from the fungus Cephalosporium acremonium and are often used as an alternative for patients with penicillin allergies.1

Third-generation cephalosporins, like ceftazidime, are generally more effective against gram-negative bacteria than earlier generations. They show increased activity against organisms such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Haemophilus influenzae, and various species of Neisseria. Ceftazidime is particularly useful for treating infections caused by gram-negative bacteria that may be resistant to other antibiotics. Like other cephalosporins, ceftazidime is relatively non-toxic, though hypersensitivity reactions can occur in individuals allergic to penicillin.12