Ceftizoxime is a semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase-resistant, third-generation cephalosporin with antibacterial activity & safe and effective in aged patients and in patients with hematologic disorders . Ceftizoxime binds to and inactivates penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall. PBPs are enzymes involved in the terminal stages of assembling the bacterial cell wall and in reshaping the cell wall during growth and division. Inactivation of PBPs interferes with the cross-linkage of peptidoglycan chains necessary for bacterial cell wall strength and rigidity. This results in the weakening of the bacterial cell wall and causes cell lysis.
Mechanism of action of Ceftizoxime
The bactericidal activity of Ceftizoxime results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis via affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Ceftizoxime is highly resistant to a broad spectrum of beta-lactamases and is active against a wide range of both aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It has few side effects and is reported to be safe and effective in aged patients and in patients with hematologic disorders. Ceftizoxime is an aminothiazolyl cephalosporin with an extended spectrum of activity against many gram-negative, nosocomially acquired pathogens. It has excellent beta-lactamase stability, with good in vitro activity against Haemophilus influenza, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Ceftizoxime, like the penicillins, is a beta-lactam antibiotic. By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, it inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that ceftizoxime interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.
Indications of Ceftizoxime
For the treatment of infections due to susceptible strains of microorganisms.
- Intra-Abdominal
- For the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains microorganisms.
- Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and lung abscess,s
- Urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species,
- Intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess,
- Gynecological infections, including endometritis, pelvic cellulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease caused
- Bacterial Infections
- Bloodstream Infections
- Bone and Joint Infections
- Aspiration Pneumonia Cesarean Section
- Bronchitis
- Tonsillitis
Contra-Indications of Ceftizoxime
- Hemolytic anemia
- Liver problems
- Interstitial nephritis
- Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Allergies cephalosporins & beta-lactams
Dosage of Ceftizoxime
Usual Adult Dose for Bacteremia
- 1 to 4 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis
- 500 mg IV or IM every 12 hours for 3 to 7 days
Usual Adult Dose for Epiglottitis
- 1 to 4 g IV every 8 to 12 hours for 7 to 10 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for Gonococcal Infection
- 1 g IV or IM every 8 hours
- Parenteral therapy should continue for 24 hours after clinical improvement has been observed. Oral therapy with cefixime or cefpodoxime should then be continued to complete a total course of at least 1 week.
- Doxycycline therapy for 7 days (if not pregnant) or single dose azithromycin is also recommended to treat the possible concurrent chlamydial infection.
Usual Adult Dose for Gonococcal Infection
- Uncomplicated infections of the cervix, urethra, or rectum: 500 mg IM once
- Doxycycline therapy for 7 days (if not pregnant) or single dose azithromycin is also recommended to treat the possible concurrent chlamydial infection.
This regimen is recommended as an alternative regimen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Usual Adult Dose for Intraabdominal Infection
- 1 to 4 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 7 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for Joint Infection
- 1 to 4 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Longer therapy, up to 6 weeks, may be required in cases involving infected prosthetic joints. Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for MeningitisInterstitial nephritis
- 1 to 3 g IV every 6 to 12 hours for 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for Osteomyelitis
- 1 to 2 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- 2 g IV every 8 hours to continue until 24 hours after clinical improvement is observed
- At that point, appropriate oral antimicrobial therapy may be initiated and continued for a total of 14 days of therapy.
- Alternatively, 1 g ceftizoxime IM administered on an outpatient basis, followed by oral doxycycline therapy with or without metronidazole, may be substituted.
- Doxycycline therapy for 14 days (if not pregnant) is also recommended to treat the possible concurrent chlamydial infection. Azithromycin is active against chlamydia and may be considered for pregnant patients.
Usual Adult Dose for Peritonitis
- 1 to 4 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia
- 1 to 4 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 7 to 21 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- Doses up to 12 g/day may be used for severe, life-threatening infections.
Usual Adult Dose for Pyelonephritis
- 1 to 2 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 14 days
Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
- 1 to 2 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for 7 to 10 days, or until 3 days after acute inflammation subsides, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
- For more serious infections, such as diabetic soft tissue infections, 14 to 21 days of therapy may be required.
Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Tract Infection
- 1 to 2 g IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours
Side Effects of Ceftizoxime
The most common
- local tenderness or pain at the site of injection
- skin color change, mild diarrhea
- mild nausea
- loss of appetite
- vaginal discharge and itching
- swelling of feet or legs
- chest pain
- constipation
- a cough
- diarrhea or loose stools
- difficulty with breathing
- dizziness
- heartburn
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain, discomfort, or tenderness
- chills or fever
- difficulty with moving
- a headache, severe and throbbing
- joint or back pain
- muscle aching or cramping
- muscle pains or stiffness
- chest pressure or squeezing pain in the chest
- excessive sweating
- feeling of heaviness, pain, warmth and/or swelling in a leg or in the pelvis
- sudden tingling or coldness in an arm or leg
- sudden slow or difficult speech
- sudden drowsiness or need to sleep
- fast breathing
- sharp pain when taking a deep breath
- fast or slow heartbeat
- coughing up blood
- rust colored urine
- decreased amount of urine
Rare
- Anxiety
- change in vision
- seizures
- abnormal or fast heart rate
- tremors
- weight loss
- chest pain or tightness
- confusion
- a cough
- Agitation
- arm, back, or jaw pain
- blurred vision
- chest pain or discomfort
- convulsions
- extra heartbeats
- fainting
- hallucinations
- a headache
- irritability
- lightheadedness
- mood or mental changes
- muscle pain or cramps
Drug Interactions of Ceftizoxime
Ceftizoxime may interact with the following drugs, supplements, & may change the efficacy of drugs
- aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin)
- probenecid
- typhoid vaccine
- cholera vaccine,
- amoxicillin
- BCG vaccine
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
- Diphenhydramine
- Rosuvastatin
- Duloxetine
- Albuterol
- Topiramate
- Carbamazepine
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Alprazolam
- Cetirizine
- Phenprocoumon
- Picosulfuric acid
- Warfarin
Pregnancy Catagory of Ceftizoxime
FDA Pregnancy Category B
Pregnancy
It is not known if ceftizoxime is safe for use by pregnant women. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Lactation
This medication may pass into breast milk. If you are a breastfeeding mother and are taking ceftizoxime it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. It is not known if ceftizoxime is safe for children under 6 months of age.
References
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