Ceftazidime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Ceftazidime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ceftazidime can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to an antibiotic, especially penicillin.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Ceftazidime is injected into a vein.

If you use this medicine at home, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks has changed colors or has particles in it.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftazidime.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Ceftazidime will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Store the IV bag in a refrigerator and use it within 3 days. Do not freeze.

Take the bag out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before using. The medicine must be used within 12 hours once it reaches room temperature.

Ceftazidime can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. You should not use Fortaz if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic, such as:

• cefadroxil, cefdinir, cefoxitin, cefprozil, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, cephalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others;

• avibactam, relebactam, sulbactam, tazobactam, vaborbactam, and others; or

• amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Moxatag), ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any drug (especially penicillin);

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• bleeding problems; or

• if you are malnourished.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

If you are receiving this medication at a clinic, call your doctor if you miss an appointment for your injection.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include muscle stiffness, uncontrolled muscle movements, seizure, or coma.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, feeling light-headed, wheezing, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Fortaz may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, or weakness;

• confusion, hallucinations, severe weakness;

• involuntary muscle movement;

• seizure (black-out or convulsions); or

• a cold feeling, discoloration, or skin changes in your fingers.

Common side effects of Fortaz may include:

• allergic reaction;

• numbness, tingling, burning pain;

• headache, dizziness;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; or

• signs of a fungal infection--sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect ceftazidime, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.