Avycaz is administered for the treatment of infections classified under the following groups:

Complicated intra-abdominal infections: This is the infection located in the abdominal cavity, often involving a mixture of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Conditions like appendicitis or peritonitis may need treatment with Avycaz.

Complicated urinary tract infections: These are infections of the urinary tract that go beyond normal infections and usually include involvement of the kidneys or bladder.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP): Infections acquired in hospitals, often due to resistant bacteria.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): Pneumonia that can occur among patients who require mechanical ventilation.

Other types of serious bacterial infections, such as those caused by resistant pathogens, may be treated with Avycaz.

The combination of ceftazidime and avibactam in Avycaz works through complementary mechanisms:

Ceftazidime acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacterial cell walls are essential for maintaining the integrity of the bacteria. By binding to specific enzymes involved in cell wall production (called penicillin-binding proteins), ceftazidime prevents the bacteria from forming a proper cell wall, leading to the eventual breakdown and death of the bacteria.

Avibactam, on the other hand, is an inhibitor of β-lactamases. Some bacteria elaborate β-lactamase enzymes that can cleave the β-lactam of antibiotics such as ceftazidime, thus making them inactive. Avibactam binds to these β-lactamases and prevents them from hydrolyzing the antibiotic ceftazidime, restoring the latter’s potency against resistant bacteria.

This co-drug consisting of a high-strength antibiotic, ceftazidime, and a β-lactamase inhibitor avibactam offers special utility in treating infections from resistant organisms, including those from carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae and particular strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Like all drugs, Avycaz may cause side effects. Not everyone who takes the drug will get side effects. However common ones include:

Diarrhea: It is one of the most common side effects associated with antibiotics in general.

Headache: Some people may undergo headaches as a result of the medication.

Rare serious adverse reactions include:

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: Similar to other antibiotics, Avycaz will cause disruption in the normal gut bacterial flora, with possible overgrowth of C. difficile, and it can lead to severe diarrhea and colitis.

Kidney problems: In some cases, Avycaz can impair kidney function, but this is more common in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions.

Allergic Reactions: Patients should notify their health care provider about any history of allergy to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other medications before initiating Avycaz.

Renal Impairment: Since avibactam is primarily excreted through the kidneys, patients with impaired renal function should have their dosage adjusted. The treatment will require that the patient’s renal function be monitored closely.

Pregnancy and Lactation: There are limited data on the safety of Avycaz in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and its use is not recommended unless clearly needed.

Drug Interactions: Avycaz can interact with other drugs such as diuretics, anticoagulants, and other antibiotics. One should inform health practitioners about the other drugs used.

1. Probenecid: Co-administration of probenecid may increase ceftazidime levels by inhibiting renal excretion, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
2. Aminoglycosides: Ceftazidime/avibactam can be used with aminoglycosides, but careful monitoring for nephrotoxicity is advised due to potential kidney strain.
3. Anticoagulants: There is no significant interaction between Avycaz and warfarin, but regular monitoring of INR levels is recommended to avoid unexpected bleeding risks.
4. Diuretics: Combined use with diuretics should be monitored for kidney function, as both can stress renal systems, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

The recommended dosage for adults is 2.5 grams of Avycaz, comprising ceftazidime 2 gram and avibactam 0.5 gram, administered every 8 hours to treat infections. The dose can be varied to adapt to the severity and kind of infection, to handle kidneys, and consider other individual patient requirements.

Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections: 2.5 grams every 8 hours for 5 to 14 days.

Complex Urinary Tract Infections: 2.5 grams every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Pneumonia: 2.5 grams every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days, according to the severity.

Avycaz should be prescribed only by a healthcare provider, who will assess the patient’s condition, understand their medical history, and decide if Avycaz is appropriate for their infection.

 The patient under treatment will have to be observed, and dosing will be adjusted based on their response to the medication as well as reported side effects.

1. What is Avycaz?

   • Avycaz is an antibiotic medication that combines ceftazidime and avibactam, used to treat certain bacterial infections.

2. What infections does Avycaz treat?

   • It is primarily used to treat complicated urinary tract infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and certain cases of pneumonia.

3. How does Avycaz work?

   • Avycaz works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying, while avibactam helps protect ceftazidime from degradation by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria.

Usage and Administration

4. How is Avycaz administered?

   • Avycaz is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion in a healthcare setting.

5. What is the typical dosage for Avycaz?

   • The dosage depends on the infection being treated and the patient’s renal function; it’s generally given every 8 hours over a period of 2 hours.

6. Can Avycaz be used in pediatric patients?

   • Yes, Avycaz can be used in certain pediatric patients, but the specific dosage and necessity should be determined by a healthcare provider.

Side Effects and Precautions

7. What are common side effects of Avycaz?

   • Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, and headache.

8. Are there any serious side effects associated with Avycaz?

   • Serious side effects can include allergic reactions, severe diarrhea (possibly Clostridium difficile infection), and kidney problems.

9. Who should avoid taking Avycaz?

   • Patients with known hypersensitivity to ceftazidime, avibactam, or other beta-lactam antibiotics should avoid this medication.

Interactions

10. Can Avycaz interact with other medications?

    • Yes, Avycaz may interact with other medications. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.

11. What should I tell my doctor before taking Avycaz?

    • Inform your doctor about any allergies, current medications, or medical conditions, especially kidney problems.

Effectiveness and Resistance

12. Is Avycaz effective against drug-resistant bacteria?

    • Yes, the combination of ceftazidime and avibactam is specifically designed to target certain resistant bacteria, including some Enterobacteriaceae.

13. How do I know if Avycaz is working?

    • Improvement in symptoms and reduction in fever and other signs of infection typically indicate that Avycaz is effective.

Treatment Duration and Follow-Up

14. How long is the typical treatment with Avycaz?

    • Treatment duration often ranges from 5 to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of the infection.

15. What should I do if I miss a dose of Avycaz?

    • Contact your healthcare provider for guidance on what to do if a dose is missed, but do not double up on doses.

Special Considerations

16. Can pregnant or breastfeeding women take Avycaz?

    • The use of Avycaz during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as risks and benefits need to be evaluated.

17. What should I do if I experience severe side effects?

    • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe rash.

Cost and Availability

18. Is Avycaz covered by insurance?

    • Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. It’s advisable to consult your insurance provider for specific details.

19. Where can I get Avycaz?

    • Avycaz is typically available in hospitals or outpatient infusion centers, as it is an injectable medication that requires medical supervision.

Additional Information

20. Where can I find more information about Avycaz?
    • For more detailed information, consult your healthcare provider, or refer to the official prescribing information, which can be found on pharmaceutical company websites or medical literature sources.