What it does
Cefazidime is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Commonly used for: bacterial infections, pneumonia, sepsis, urinary tract infections
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:23:45 · updated 2026-07-20 10:57:48
About this medicine
Cefazidime is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
What it treats
- bacterial infections
- pneumonia
- sepsis
- urinary tract infections
How it works
It works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping your body to fight off the infection.
Who it's for
Cefazidime is for adults and children who have bacterial infections that can be treated with this antibiotic.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: cefazidime
Cefazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is commonly used in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible organisms, especially in patients with compromised immune systems. Cefazidime exhibits good tissue penetration and is often utilized in hospital settings for severe infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections.
Indications
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Intra-abdominal infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Cefazidime works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, blocking the transpeptidation reaction necessary for cross-linking peptidoglycan layers. This leads to the weakening of the cell wall and ultimately causes bacterial lysis and death.
Pharmacodynamics
Cefazidime exhibits time-dependent antibacterial activity, which means that the efficacy of the drug is primarily dependent on the duration of time that the drug concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the target organism. The drug has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while having limited effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria.
Pharmacokinetics
Cefazidime is administered intravenously or intramuscularly and has good bioavailability when given by these routes. It is widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 30 to 60 minutes after administration. The drug is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, with approximately 80% of an administered dose excreted unchanged in the urine. The half-life of cefazidime is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in individuals with normal renal function.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to cefazidime or other cephalosporins
- Severe allergic reactions to penicillins
Adverse effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Nephrotoxicity
- Thrombocytopenia
- Seizures (in cases of high doses or renal impairment)
Interactions
- Probenecid may increase cefazidime levels by decreasing renal excretion
- Aminoglycosides may have additive nephrotoxic effects
- Anticoagulants may have enhanced anticoagulant effect
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor renal function regularly during treatment
- Caution in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis
Pregnancy
Cefazidime should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects, but adequate studies in pregnant women are lacking.
Breast-feeding
Cefazidime is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Protect from light. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
Formulations
- Injection: 1 g, 2 g vials
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.