Ceftizoxime

What it is and how it works

Ceftizoxime is a bactericidal beta-lactam that binds penicillin-binding proteins and inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis. It is stable to many beta-lactamases and active against many Gram-negative Enterobacterales, Haemophilus, Neisseria and streptococci, with limited activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Indications

Infections caused by susceptible organisms, including lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, intra-abdominal, skin and soft-tissue, bone and joint infections, septicaemia, meningitis and uncomplicated gonorrhoea.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Adults: 1–2 g every 8–12 hours by intravenous injection or infusion, or deep intramuscular injection; up to 4 g every 8 hours in life-threatening infections; reduce dose in renal impairment.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins; history of immediate severe hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) to penicillins or other beta-lactams.

Warnings and precautions

Cross-sensitivity with penicillins can occur; use with caution in patients with penicillin allergy. Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea may develop during or after therapy. Prolonged use may lead to superinfection; monitor renal function in high doses or with nephrotoxic drugs.

Pregnancy

Cephalosporins are generally considered safe in pregnancy when clinically indicated.

Storage and supply

Store dry powder below 25 °C, protected from light; use reconstituted solution within the time stated by the manufacturer.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.