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Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin with a broad gram-negative spectrum including Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa, and Hemophilus species. Gram-positive and anaerobic activity is weaker than most other cephalosporins and penicillins. Organisms with an MIC ≤ 8 µg/ml are considered sensitive, while organisms with an MIC ≥ 32 µg/ml are considered resistant. Emergence of resistant strains of P.aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., and Citrobacter sp. during ceftazidime therapy is a growing concern. The antipseudomonal activity of ceftazidime
is similar to piperacillin. Piperacillin/tazobactam combined with an aminoglycoside is the antipseudomonal antibiotic regimen of choice in this institution.

The elimination half-life of ceftazidime is 1.5 to 2 hours in patients with normal renal function. The drug is dosed every 8 to 12 hours in these patients. Peak serum levels of 69-90 µg/ml are achieved following a 1 gm dose of ceftazidime.