CEFTAZIDIME 2 G POWDER FOR SOLUTION FOR INJECTION OR INFUSION - summary of medicine characteristics

Summary of medicine characteristics - CEFTAZIDIME 2 G POWDER FOR SOLUTION FOR INJECTION OR INFUSION

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Ceftazidime 2 g Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion.

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each vial contains 2.330 g of ceftazidime pentahydrate (equivalent to 2g of ceftazidime) with 0.236 g sodium carbonate.

For full list of excipients see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Powder for solution for injection or infusion

A white to almost white coloured powder for solution for injection or infusion.

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Ceftazidime is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when known or likely to be due to one or more susceptible microorganisms (see section 5. 1) and when parenteral therapy is required:

– Respiratory tract infections, including lower respiratory tract infections in patients with cystic fibrosis

– Urinary tract infections; ceftazidime may also be used for peri-operative prophylaxis during trans-urethral prostatectomy

– Skin and soft tissue infections

– Biliary tract infections

– Intra-abdominal infections

– Bone and joint infections

– Infections associated peritoneal dialysis and with

continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

– Meningitis due to aerobic gram-negative organisms

Whenever possible, it is recommended that the results of bacterial cultures and susceptibility tests are known before commencing treatment. This is especially important if ceftazidime is to be used as monotherapy. Ceftazidime should be used in combination with an additional antibacterial agent(s) when treating infections that are likely to be due to a mixture of susceptible and resistant bacterial species.

Consideration should be given to official guidance regarding the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

The dosage and mode of administration of ceftazidime should be determined by the severity of the infection, susceptibility of the causative organism and the condition of the patient, such as age, weight and renal function.

Age Group	Infection	Usual Dose
Adults	Most uses	1 g 8-hourly OR 2 g 12-hourly
	Severe infections and infections in neutropenic patients	2 g 8-hourly OR 3 g 12-hourly
	UTI	500 mg 12-hourly OR 1 g 12-hourly
	Prophylaxis for prostatectomy	1 g at induction ± 1g at catheter removal
	Cystic fibrosis	100–150 mg/kg/day in three divided doses; not to exceed 9 g/day
Elderly	All infections, especially in those> 80 years	Not to exceed 3 g daily total
Infants> 2 months and children	Most uses	30–100 mg/kg/day in two or three divided doses
	Severe infections	up to 150 mg/kg/day (max 6 g total per day) in three divided

		doses
Neonates and infants < 2 months	Most uses	25 – 60 mg/kg/day in two divided doses

Renal impairment

Ceftazidime is excreted by the kidneys almost exclusively by glomerular filtration. It is therefore recommended that the dosage of ceftazidime should be reduced when the creatinine clearance is less than 50ml/min.

In patients with suspected renal insufficiency, an initial loading dose of 1g of ceftazidime may be given. An estimate of creatinine clearanceshould be made to determine the appropriate maintenance dose.

For patients in renal failure on continuous arteriovenous haemodialysis or high-flux haemofiltration in intensive therapy units, it is recommended that the dosage should be 1 g daily in divided doses. For low-flux haemofiltration it is recommended that the dosage should be that suggested above for those with suspected renal insufficiency.

Recommended maintenance doses in renal insufficiency are shown below:

Creatinine clearance (ml/min)	Approx. serum * ■ creatinine micromol/l (mg/dl)	Recommended unit dose of ceftazidime (g)	Frequency of dosing (hourly)
50 – 31	150 – 200 (1.7 – 2.3)	1	12
30 – 16	200 – 350 (2.3 – 4.0)	1	24
15 – 6	350 – 500 (4.0 – 5.6)	0.5	24
< 5	>500 (>5.6)	0.5	48

These values are guidelines and may not accurately predict renal function in all patients especially in the elderly in whom the serum creatinine concentration may overestimate renal function.

In patients with severe infections, especially those patients with neutropenia, who would normally receive 6 g of ceftazidime daily were it not for renal insufficiency, the unit dose given in the table above may be increased by 50% or the dosing frequency increased appropriately. In such patients it is recommended that the serum concentration of ceftazidime should be monitored and that trough concentrations should not exceed 40 mg/l.

When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula (Cockcroft's equation) may be used to estimate creatinine clearance. To convert serum creatinine in mol/l into mg/dl divide by 88.4. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function:

Males:

Creatinine clearance = Weight (kg) x (140 – age in years)

(ml/min) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dl)

Females:

0.85 x above value.

Haemodialysis

The serum half-life of ceftazidime during haemodialysis ranges from 3 – 5 hours. The appropriate maintenance dose of ceftazidime should be repeated following each haemodialysis period.

Children

The creatinine clearance should be adjusted for body surface area or lean body mass, and the dosing frequency reduced in cases of renal insufficiency as for adults.

Hepatic impairment

No dosage adjustment is required in patients with hepatic impairment.

Dosage in peritoneal dialysis:

Ceftazidime may also be used in patients who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at a dose adjusted according to renal function. In such patients, a loading dose of lg of ceftazidime may be given, followed by 500mg every 24 hours. In addition, for intra peritoneal infections, ceftazidime can be incorporated into the dialysis fluid (usually 125 to 250 mg for 2 L of dialysis fluid).

Method of Administration

Intravenous injection or infusion

After reconstitution of the solution according to the directions provided (see Section 6.6), ceftazidime may be administered intravenously.

Intramuscular injection

After reconstitution of the solution according to the directions provided (see Section 6.6), ceftazidime may be administered by deep intramuscular injection into a large muscle mass, such as the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus or lateral part of the thigh.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ceftazidime or to any of the cephalosporins.

Hypersensitivity to sodium carbonate.

Previous immediate and/or severe hypersensitivity reaction to a penicillin or to any other type of beta-lactam drug.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Before therapy with ceftazidime is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had any previous hypersensitivity reactions to ceftazidime, cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactam drugs.

Ceftazidime is contraindicated in patients who have had a previous hypersensitivity reaction to any cephalosporin. It is also contraindicated in patients who have had a previous immediate and/or any severe hypersensitivity reaction to any penicillin or to any other beta-lactam drug. Ceftazidime should be given with caution to patients who have had any other type of hypersensitivity reaction to a penicillin or any other beta-lactam drug.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, colitis and pseudomembranous colitis have all been reported with the use of ceftazidime. These diagnoses should be considered in any patient who develops diarrhoea during or shortly after treatment. Ceftazidime should be discontinued if severe and/or bloody diarrhoea occurs during treatment and appropriate therapy instituted.

Ceftazidime should be used with caution in individuals with a previous history of gastro-intestinal disease, particularly colitis.

Ceftazidime has not been shown to be nephrotoxic. However, the total daily dosage should be reduced when ceftazidime is administered to patients with acute or chronic renal insufficiency in order to avoid potential clinical consequences, such as seizures (see section 4.2).

Cephalosporin antibiotics should be given with caution to patients receiving concurrent treatment with nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics or potent diuretics (such as furosemide) as these combinations may have an adverse effect on renal function and have been associated with ototoxicity (see section 4.5).

As with other cephalosporins, prolonged use of Ceftazidime may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, such as enterococci and Candida spp.

This vial contains 4.52mmol of sodium in total. The sodium content should be taken into consideration when prescribing to patients requiring sodium restriction.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction Chloramphenicol is antagonistic in vitro with ceftazidime and other cephalosporins. The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown, but if concurrent administration of ceftazidime with chloramphenicol is proposed, the possibility of antagonism should be considered.

Laboratory Tests

The development of a positive Coombs' test associated with the use of ceftazidime in about 5% of patients may interfere with the cross-matching of blood.

Ceftazidime does not interfere with enzyme-based tests for glycosuria. Slight interference with copper reduction methods (Benedict's test, Fehling's test, Clinitest) may be observed.

Ceftazidime does not interfere in the alkaline picrate assay for creatinine.

Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics or potent diuretics, such as furosemide (frusemide). Renal function should be carefully monitored, especially if higher dosages of the aminoglycosides are to be administered or if therapy is prolonged, because of the potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Reproduction studies have not revealed any evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the foetus due to ceftazidime. However, as animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed

Lactation

Ceftazidime is excreted in human milk in low concentrations, and consequently caution should be exercised when ceftazidime is administered to a nursing mother.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Dizziness can occur which can affect the ability to drive and to use machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The most common adverse reactions during treatment with ceftazidime treatment are local reactions following intravenous injection, allergic reactions, and effects on the gastro-intestinal tract.

A table of the MedDRA System Organ Class and Frequency of Adverse Reactions is provided below.

MedRA System Organ Class	Frequency of Adverse Drug Reaction
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Transient elevation of blood urea, blood urea nitrogen and/or serum creatinine	Very rare (<1/10,000)
Leucopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and lymphocytosis	Very rare (<1/10,000)
Immune system disorders
Maculopapular or urticarial rash, fever, pruritus.	Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Angioedema and anaphylaxis (including bronchospasm and/or hypotension).	Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

Nervous system disorders
Headache, dizziness, paraesthesia and bad taste.	Uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100)
Tremor, myoclonia myoclonus, convulsions, and encephalopathy in patients with renal impairment in whom the dose of ceftazidime has not been appropriately reduced.	Very rare (<1/10,000)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.	Uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100)
Oral thrush or colitis. As with other cephalosporins, colitis may be associated with Clostridium difficile and may present as pseudomembranous colitis.	Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Hepato-biliary disorders
Jaundice.	Very rare (<1/10,000)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.	Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Reproductive system disorders
Candidiasis, vaginitis.	Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
General disorders and administration site conditions
Phlebitis or thrombophlebitis with intravenous administration, pain and/or inflammation after intramuscular injection.	Uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100)
Investigations

Laboratory test changes noted transiently during ceftazidime therapy include: eosinophilia, positive Coombs' test, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytosis and elevations in one or more of the hepatic enzymes, ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), LDH, GGT and alkaline phosphatase.

Very rare (<1/10,000)

4.9 Overdose

An overdose of ceftazidime may be associated with pain, inflammation and phlebitis at the injection site.

Overdose or the administration of inappropriately large doses in the presence of renal insufficiency can lead to neurological sequelae including dizziness, paraesthesiae, headache, encephalopathy, convulsion and coma.

Laboratory abnormalities that may occur after an overdose include elevations in creatinine, BUN, liver enzymes and bilirubin, a positive Coombs’ test, thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, leucopenia and prolongation of the prothrombin time.

General symptomatic and supportive measures should be instituted, together with specific measures to control any seizures. In cases of severe overdose, especially in a patient with renal failure, combined haemodialysis and haemoperfusion may be considered if response to more conservative therapy fails.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

General properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group:

Third generation cephalosporins (ATC code: J01DD02)

Mode of Action

Ceftazidime is a semi-synthetic bactericidal antibacterial agent of the cephalosporin class. Like other beta-lactam drugs, Ceftazidime exerts antibacterial activity by binding to and inhibiting the action of certain bacterial cell wall synthetic enzymes (transpeptidases). Inhibition of one or more of these essential penicillin-binding proteins results in the interruption of cell wall biosynthesis at the final stage of peptidoglycan production, resulting in bacterial cell lysis and death.

Mechanisms of resistance

Bacterial resistance to Ceftazidime may be due to one or more of the following mechanisms:

hydrolysis by beta-lactamases. Ceftazidime may be efficiently hydrolysed by certain of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and by the chromosomally-encoded (AmpC) enzymes that may be induced or stably derepressed in certain aerobic gram-negative bacterial species

reduced affinity of penicillin-binding proteins for Ceftazidime

outer membrane impermeability, which restricts access of Ceftazidime to penicillin binding proteins in gram-negative organisms

drug efflux pumps

More than one of these mechanisms of resistance may co-exist in a single bacterial cell. Depending on the mechanism(s) present, bacteria may express cross-resistance to several or all other beta-lactams and/or antibacterial drugs of other classes.

Breakpoints

Clinical MIC breakpoints to separate susceptible (S) pathogens from resistant ® pathogens according to EUCAST are:

– Enterobacteriaceae: S<1.0 mg/l; R>8 mg/l.

– Pseudomonas spp.: S<8 mg/l; R>8 mg/l.

– Non-species related breakpoints: S<4 mg/l; R>8 mg/l.

Susceptibility

The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable.

Commonly susceptible species

Gram-positive micro-organisms:

Streptococcus pyogenes

Streptococcus agalactiae

Gram-negative micro-organisms: Haemophilus influenzae Morganella morganii Neisseria gonorrhoeae Neisseria meningitidis Proteus mirabilis

Proteus vulgaris

Providencia species

Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem

Gram-negative micro-organisms:

Acinetobacter spp.

Escherichia coli

Klebsiella species

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Inherently resistant organisms

Gram-positive micro-organisms:

Enterococcus species

Staphylococcus species, Coagulase negative*

Staphylococcus aureus*

Streptococcus milleri

Streptococcus pneumoniae#

Viridans Streptococci

Anaerobes

Bacteroides species Clostridium species Fusobacterium species Peptostreptococcus species

Others

Chlamydia species

Campylobacter species

Legionella species

Mycobacterium species

Mycoplasma species

+ Based on published data from several different sources

* Shows some in-vitro activity against methicillin-susceptible strains but should not be relied upon to treat staphylococcal infections.

# Shows some in-vitro activity against penicillin-susceptible strains but should not be relied upon to treat pneumococcal infections.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Ceftazidime administered by the parenteral route reaches high and prolonged serum concentrations in man. After intramuscular administration of 500 mg and 1 g serum mean peak concentrations of 18 and 37 mg/l respectively are rapidly achieved. Five minutes after an intravenous bolus injection of 500 mg, 1 g or 2 g, serum mean concentrations are respectively 46, 87 and 170 mg/l.

Therapeutically effective concentrations are still found in the serum 8 to 12 hours after both intravenous and intramuscular administration. The serum half-life is about 1.8 hours in normal volunteers, and about 2.2 hours in patients with apparently normal renal function. The serum protein binding of ceftazidime is low at about 10%.

Metabolism

Ceftazidime is not metabolised in the body and is excreted unchanged in the active form into the urine by glomerular filtration.

Distribution

Concentrations of ceftazidime in excess of the minimum inhibitory concentrations for common pathogens can be achieved in tissues such as bone, heart, bile, sputum, aqueous humour, synovial and pleural and peritoneal fluids.

Transplacental transfer of the antibiotic readily occurs.

Ceftazidime penetrates the intact blood brain barrier poorly, and low concentrations are achieved in the cerebrospinal fluid in the absence of inflammation. Therapeutic concentrations of 4 – 20 mg/l or more are achieved in the cerebrospinal fluid when the meninges are inflamed.

Excretion

Excretion is almost exclusively by the kidney. Approximately 80 – 90% of the dose is recovered in the urine within 24 hours. Less than 1% is excreted via the bile, significantly limiting the amount entering the bowel.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

No additional data of relevance.

PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Sodium carbonate

6.2 Incompatibilities

Ceftazidime is less stable in Sodium Bicarbonate Injection than other intravenous fluids. It is not recommended as a diluent.

Ceftazidime and aminoglycosides should not be mixed in the same giving set or syringe.

Precipitation has been reported when vancomycin has been added to ceftazidime in solution. It is recommended that giving sets and intravenous lines are flushed between administration of these two agents.

Solutions containing ceftazidime should not be mixed with or added to solutions containing other agents than listed below (see section 6.6).

6.3

Shelf life

Unopened vial:

Three years.

Reconstituted solution:

Chemical and physical stability has been demonstrated in the following conditions:

– for 24 hours at 25°C and

– for 7 days at 5±3°C

when dissolved in 10 or 3 ml of WFI.

– for 6 hours at 25°C and

– for 36 hours at 5±3°C

when dissolved in 0.5% or 1% Lidocaine HCl injection.

– for 6 hours at 25°C and

– for 24 hours at 5±3°C

when dissolved in all the solutions studied (see table in Section 6.6).

From a microbiological point of view, unless the method of opening/reconstitution precludes the risk of microbial contamination, the product should be used immediately

If not used immediately, the in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user, and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at

2 – 8 °C, unless opening, reconstitution, and dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

6.4 Special precautions for storage