Zavicefta Injection

Zavicefta Injection is a combination antibiotic containing Ceftazidime and Avibactam used to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to other antibiotics.

Uses of Zavicefta Injection:

• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Intra abdominal infection

How does Zavicefta Injection work?

Ceftazidime is a third generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death . Avibactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that inhibits the activity of beta-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria, protecting ceftazidime from degradation and increasing the activity of ceftazidime against resistant strains.

How to Use & Dosage?

Dosage depends upon type and severity of infection, renal function and age of patient. Intravenous administration. It is normally administered every 8 hours.

This medicine is given as an injection into a vein, usually by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.
If you have to take this medicine at home you will be shown how to make it and how to take it. Follow directions exactly. Take at the same time each day as directed on the label of the prescription. Keep taking it until your healthcare provider tells you to stop.

Used needles and syringes should be thrown away in a special sharps container, not in regular trash. If you don’t have one, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for one.
Ask your healthcare provider about its use in children. It may be given to newborns for certain conditions, but some precautions are necessary.

Possible Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Headache
• Allergic reactions
• Seizures
• Thrombocytosis

Safety Advise:

Allergy

Screen for allergies to Zavicefta or other carbapenems or beta-lactam antibiotics that may result in serious allergic reactions. “Consult your physician.

Kidneys

Since Zavicefta is predominantly cleared by the kidneys, dose adjustments are required in patients with renal impairment. Please speak to your healthcare provider.

Liver

Meropenem may cause elevated liver enzymes and therefore liver function tests should be monitored during prolonged treatment, especially in patients with liver disease. Please talk to your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy

The safety of Zavicefta in pregnancy has not been fully established and it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and under medical supervision. Please talk to your healthcare provider.

Breast Feeding

Caution is advised in breastfeeding as the drug can pass into breast milk. Please talk to your health care provider.

Storage Instructions:

Keep out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Store vials at room temperature prior to reconstitution. The reconstituted solution should be used within the period of time specified by the manufacturer for stability and effectiveness.

References:

1. Berkhout J, Melchers MJ, van Mil AC, Seyedmousavi S, Lagarde CM, Schuck VJ, Nichols WW, Mouton JW. Pharmacodynamics of ceftazidime and avibactam in neutropenic mice with thigh or lung infection. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. 2016 Jan;60(1):368-75.
2. Zhanel GG, Lawson CD, Adam H, Schweizer F, Zelenitsky S, Lagacé-Wiens PR, Denisuik A, Rubinstein E, Gin AS, Hoban DJ, Lynch JP. Ceftazidime-avibactam: a novel cephalosporin/β-lactamase inhibitor combination. Drugs. 2013 Feb;73:159-77.
3. Shirley M. Ceftazidime-avibactam: a review in the treatment of serious gram-negative bacterial infections. Drugs. 2018 Apr;78:675-92.
4. Matesanz M, Mensa J. Ceftazidime-avibactam. Revista Española de Quimioterapia. 2021;34(Suppl1):38.

Disclaimer:

IHS Enterprises’s primary objective is to guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and specialist review of the information it provides to customers. The contents and information provided on this website are for informational purposes only. They should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician for guidance and any questions you may have about any condition or medication. If you do read anything from IHS Enterprises, please do not discount or delay in seeking competent medical advice. We want to enhance the doctor-patient relationship, not substitute it.

Manufacturer details:

Name: Pfizer Ltd
Address: The Capital, 1802, 18th Floor, Plot No. C-70, ‘G’ Block , Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East , Mumbai – 400051.
Country of origin: India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is Zavicefta Injection used for?

Zavicefta is a combination of the antibiotic ceftazidime (a cephalosporin) and avibactam (a beta-lactamase inhibitor). It may be indicated for treatment of complicated and multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.

2. How does Zavicefta work?

Ceftazidime is thought to damage the walls of bacteria . Avibactam is thought to prevent ceftazidime from being broken down by resistance enzymes . Together they could possibly clear severe infections.

3. What conditions may it be considered for?

It may be used for complicated intra-abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia.

4. How is Zavicefta given?

It is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinical setting.

5. How long does the infusion last?

The infusion is usually given over approximately 2 hours, although protocols may vary.

6. What are the potential side effects?

Side effects for patients may include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache or reactions at the site of infusion.

7. Is it safe for a patient who is allergic to penicillin?

It has a cephalosporin in it so patients with a severe penicillin allergy may potentially be at risk for a cross-reactivity. This risk will be evaluated by a doctor.

8. Can it influence kidney function?

In patients with pre-existing renal impairment dose adjustment may be necessary and kidney function is usually monitored during therapy.

9. Does it cause severe diarrhea?

Like many potent antibiotics it may potentially change the gut flora, increasing the risk of Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhoea.

10. How long does the treatment take?

The length of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, but it is usually 5 to 14 days.

11. Does it work on all the bacteria?

It is active against some Gram-negative bacteria but may not cover all pathogens. Its use is often determined by susceptibility testing.

12. Is Zavicefta available by prescription?

Yes, it is a prescription only IV antibiotic limited to hospital use.

Medical Disclaimer:

Zavicefta Injection is a prescription medicine and should only be used under the supervision and direction of a licensed medical practitioner. Never stop taking medication, change the dosage or self medicate without talking to your doctor. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The results, benefits and risks will vary from person to person. Always talk to your doctor before starting, stopping or changing any medication.