| Common Brands | Zerbaxa |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Cephalosporin / Beta-lactamase inhibitor combination |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Ceftolozane and tazobactam is a fixed-dose combination antibiotic for the treatment of various serious bacterial infections. It consists of a novel cephalosporin, ceftolozane, and beta-lactamase inhibitor, tazobactam. This drug combination together expands the spectrum of activity of ceftolozane to make it effective against a broad range of bacteria, including MDR pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and other gram-negative bacteria.
Ceftolozane and tazobactam is primarily used for treating complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs), and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP). It is administered intravenously and is especially beneficial in hospital settings where serious infections caused by resistant bacteria are a concern.
Ceftolozane and tazobactam is to be given intravenously; its use in such medicine takes place usually in a hospital or some form of healthcare setting. However, the dosing varies on what type of infection and its degree along with the age and physical state of the patient in terms of health. Dosing normally involves:
In complicated urinary tract infections in adults, the dose used is 1.5 g of ceftolozane and tazobactam administered every 8 hours; this is usually continued for 7 to 14 days depending on the infection.
For complicated intra-abdominal infections, a dose of 1.5 g every 8 hours is usually combined with another antibiotic, for example metronidazole to treat anaerobic infections.
For hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP): The recommended dosage is 1.5 g every 8 hours. The duration of treatment is usually 7 to 14 days depending on the clinical response of the patient.
The drug is administered intravenously over a period of 1 hour. Dosing is adjusted in patients with renal impairment since it is renally excreted.
Similar to all other cephalosporins, ceftolozane inhibits the PBPs, specific to the final steps in bacterial cell wall synthesis, and with the inhibition of these proteins, the bacteria fail to build an appropriate cell wall and, therefore, are destroyed.
Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that acts synergistically with ceftolozane. Beta-lactamases are enzymes released from some bacteria that break the beta-lactam ring structure in many antibiotics, thereby inactivating them. Therefore, beta-lactamase inhibition of Tazobactam helps in preserving the activity of Ceftolozane against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. This makes Ceftolozane successful against a wide spectrum of pathogens, including many multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms.
Ceftolozane and tazobactam, like any medication, can cause side effects. Some of the common and severe side effects include:
Common side effects:
Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are among the most frequently reported side effects.
Headache: Some patients may experience headaches during treatment.
Serious side effects:
Allergic reactions: Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can occur, though these are rare. Skin reactions like rashes or itching may also occur.
Kidney problems : Ceftolozane and tazobactam can cause kidney trouble, including increased creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This is especially true when the patient has pre-existing issues with the kidneys.
Clostridium difficile infection: As with the other antibiotics, long-course use can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria with an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, thereby causing severe diarrhea and colitis.
Severe liver enzyme changes: Liver toxicity, such as elevated liver enzymes, has been observed in some patients.
Allergy to beta-lactams: Patients with known allergies to beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillins or cephalosporins) should use caution, as they may also be allergic to ceftolozane and tazobactam.
Renal impairment: Ceftolozane and tazobactam is mainly excreted by the kidneys. Dosage should be appropriately adjusted for patients with renal impairment. Kidney function should be monitored during therapy.
Risk of superinfection: Long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics like ceftolozane and tazobactam may lead to superinfections, such as Clostridium difficile or resistant organisms.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of ceftolozane and tazobactam during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established, so it should be used only when necessary, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Ceftolozane and tazobactam may interact with other drugs. These interactions may either enhance the effects of the drugs or increase the risk of adverse effects. Some significant interactions include the following:
Probenecid: Probenecid is a drug used to treat gout. It decreases the renal excretion of ceftolozane and tazobactam. This might lead to increased blood levels of the drug, which could raise the risk of adverse effects.
Other antibiotics: In combination with other antibiotics, especially those that affect the kidney or those with the same bacterial target, ceftolozane and tazobactam should be monitored for any potential interactions that could alter bacterial resistance patterns or the efficacy of the combined therapy.
Live vaccines: The use of the antibiotics ceftolozane and tazobactam may reduce effectiveness of live vaccines. Patients should generally avoid vaccination with live vaccines during treatment or shortly after treatment ends unless otherwise advised by a provider.
The dosage of ceftolozane and tazobactam is based on the infection being treated and the patient’s renal function:
Ceftolozane and tazobactam is a prescription-only drug. It is generally prescribed by healthcare providers to treat serious bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Due to its IV administration and use in serious infections, it is typically used in the hospital or clinical setting under the care of healthcare professionals.
It’s used to treat serious bacterial infections, including complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI).
Ceftolozane is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria by disrupting cell wall synthesis; Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that prevents bacteria from breaking down ceftolozane.
Yes, it is active against many multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including some strains resistant to other antibiotics.
It is given intravenously (IV) in a hospital or clinic setting.
No, it is only available as an injectable formulation.
Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, headache, infusion site reactions, and rash.
Yes, patients allergic to cephalosporins or penicillins may experience allergic reactions, including severe ones.
Use only if clearly needed, and after assessing the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
Treatment length varies but usually ranges from 5 to 14 days depending on the infection.
Yes, doses are modified in patients with renal impairment.
It may be used off-label for certain serious infections under specialist guidance.
There are no major known interactions, but always inform your doctor of all medications you are taking.
Yes, like many antibiotics, it can disrupt gut flora leading to C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Probiotics may help maintain gut health but consult your doctor first.
Yes, it can increase the risk of fungal overgrowth due to changes in normal flora.
Since it is administered in a medical setting, missing doses should be discussed directly with healthcare staff.
Resistance can develop with improper use, so complete the prescribed course and follow medical advice.
Store refrigerated before reconstitution; after preparation, use within the recommended time frame.
Its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients are still being evaluated; use is usually limited to adults.
Yes, it is particularly potent against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.
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