AVYCAZ

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AVYCAZ

Classes

Cephalosporin and Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Combination Antibiotics

Administration
Injectable Administration

Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration whenever solution and container permit. The diluted solution ranges from clear to light yellow.
Each vial contains 2.5 g ceftazidime; avibactam (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam).

Intravenous Administration

Reconstitution
Using aseptic technique, reconstitute the dry powder with 10 mL of 1 of the following solutions: Sterile Water for Injection, Lactated Ringer's Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose Injection, or any combination of dextrose and sodium chloride that contains up to 2.5% Dextrose Injection and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection.
Ensure the dry powder is dissolved completely by gently mixing.
The constituted solution will have an approximate ceftazidime concentration of 167 mg/mL and an approximate avibactam concentration of 42 mg/mL with an approximate final volume of 12 mL.
The constituted solution is NOT for direct injection and MUST be diluted before intravenous infusion.
Storage: The solution should be further diluted within 30 minutes of reconstitution.[58865]
 
Dilution
Prepare the required dose for infusion by withdrawing the appropriate volume from the reconstituted vial.
Adults and Pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more
For a 2.5 g dose (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam), withdraw 12 mL (entire contents) of the reconstituted solution for further dilution.
For a 1.25 g dose (1 g ceftazidime and 0.25 g avibactam), withdraw 6 mL of the reconstituted solution for further dilution.
For a 0.94 g dose (0.75 g ceftazidime and 0.19 g avibactam), withdraw 4.5 mL of the reconstituted solution for further dilution.
Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg
Withdraw appropriate dose of the reconstituted solution based on a final concentration of 209 mg/mL (167 mg/mL ceftazidime and 42 mg/mL avibactam).
Adults and Pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more: Using the same solution that was selected for reconstitution, dilute to a total volume of 50 to 250 mL (8 to 40 mg/mL ceftazidime and 2 to 10 mg/mL avibactam). Dilution to 250 mL should only be used for the 2.5 g dose. If Sterile Water for Injection was used for reconstitution, use any other appropriate diluent for dilution.
Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg: Using the same solution that was selected for reconstitution, dilute to a total volume of 8 to 40 mg/mL ceftazidime and 2 to 10 mg/mL avibactam. If Sterile Water for Injection was used for reconstitution, use any other appropriate diluent for dilution.
Gently mix.
Storage: Administer diluted solution within 12 hours if stored at room temperature of 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Diluted solution may be stored for up to 24 hours under refrigeration at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F), with subsequent storage for up to 12 hours at room temperature.[58865]
 
Intermittent IV infusion:
Administer via intravenous infusion over 2 hours.[58865]
 
Intermittent Extended IV Infusion†:
NOTE: Administration by extended infusion is not FDA-approved.
Administering as an extended infusion (3-hour infusion) may increase the likelihood of pharmacodynamic target achievement in difficult to treat infections.

Adverse Reactions
Severe

renal failure (unspecified) / Delayed / 0-1.0
seizures / Delayed / Incidence not known
coma / Early / Incidence not known
C. difficile-associated diarrhea / Delayed / Incidence not known

Moderate

constipation / Delayed / 2.0-2.0
elevated hepatic enzymes / Delayed / 0-1.0
thrombocytopenia / Delayed / 0-1.0
leukopenia / Delayed / 0-1.0
hypokalemia / Delayed / 0-1.0
thrombocytosis / Delayed / 0-1.0
nephrolithiasis / Delayed / 0-1.0
candidiasis / Delayed / 0-1.0
phlebitis / Rapid / 0.1
myoclonia / Delayed / Incidence not known
encephalopathy / Delayed / Incidence not known
pseudomembranous colitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
superinfection / Delayed / Incidence not known

Mild

diarrhea / Early / 3.0-8.0
nausea / Early / 3.0-7.0
vomiting / Early / 5.0-5.0
headache / Early / 3.0-3.0
dizziness / Early / 2.0-2.0
pruritus / Rapid / 2.0-2.0
abdominal pain / Early / 1.0-1.0
dysgeusia / Early / 0-1.0
anxiety / Delayed / 0-1.0
maculopapular rash / Early / 0-1.0
urticaria / Rapid / 0-1.0
rash / Early / 0.1
asterixis / Delayed / Incidence not known

Common Brand Names

AVYCAZ

Dea Class

Rx

Description

Combination intravenous anti-infective, including a third-generation cephalosporin and beta-lactamase inhibitor
For complicated intra-abdominal infections (with metronidazole), complicated urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP) in adult and pediatric patients 3 months and older
Decreased efficacy seen in adult patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections and baseline CrCl 30 to 50 mL/minute during clinical trials; monitor SCr daily in all patients with changing renal function and adjust the dose as needed

Dosage And Indications
For the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infections, including peritonitis, appendicitis, and intraabdominal abscess. For the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infections using conventional dosing. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) IV every 8 hours as part of combination therapy for 5 to 14 days.

Children and Adolescents 2 to 17 years

62.5 mg/kg/dose (50 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 12.5 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours (Max: 2.5 g [2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam]) as part of combination therapy for 5 to 14 days.

Infants and Children 6 months to 1 year

62.5 mg/kg/dose (50 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 12.5 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours as part of combination therapy for 5 to 14 days.

Infants 3 to 5 months

50 mg/kg/dose (40 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 10 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours as part of combination therapy for 5 to 14 days.

For the treatment of complicated healthcare-acquired or hospital-acquired intraabdominal infections with adequate source control due to resistant gram-negative organisms using extended-infusion dosing†. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) administered over 3 hours IV every 8 hours as part of combination therapy for 3 to 7 days. Complicated infections include peritonitis and appendicitis complicated by rupture, and intraabdominal abscess.

For the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, including hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). For the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, including hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), using conventional dosing. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) IV every 8 hours for 7 days. The FDA-approved duration is 7 to 14 days.

Infants, Children, and Adolescents 6 months to 17 years

62.5 mg/kg/dose (50 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 12.5 mg/kg/dose avibactam) (Max: 2.5 g [2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam]/dose) IV every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Infants 3 to 5 months

50 mg/kg/dose (40 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 10 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days.

For the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, including hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), due to resistant gram-negative organisms using extended-infusion dosing†. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) administered over 3 hours IV every 8 hours with or without aztreonam for 7 days.

For the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection (UTI), including pyelonephritis, as well as cystitis† and pyelonephritis due to infections with difficult-to-treat resistance. For the treatment of complicated UTI, including pyelonephritis, using conventional dosing. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) IV every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days with or without an aminoglycoside.

Infants, Children, and Adolescents 6 months to 17 years

62.5 mg/kg/dose (50 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 12.5 mg/kg/dose avibactam) (Max: 2.5 g [2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam]/dose) IV every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Infants 3 to 5 months

50 mg/kg/dose (40 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 10 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days.

For the treatment of complicated UTI, including pyelonephritis, due to infections with difficult-to-treat resistance using extended-infusion dosing†. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) administered over 3 hours IV every 8 hours for 7 to 14 days with or without an aminoglycoside.

For the treatment of uncomplicated cystitis due to infections with difficult-to-treat resistance using extended-infusion dosing†. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) administered over 3 hours IV every 8 hours for 3 to 7 days.

For the treatment of sepsis†, including those due to difficult-to-treat resistance. For the treatment of sepsis† using conventional dosing. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) IV every 8 hours. Start within 1 hour for septic shock or within 3 hours for possible sepsis without shock. Duration of therapy is not well-defined and dependent on patient- and infection-specific factors. Assess patient daily for deescalation of antimicrobial therapy based on pathogen identification and/or adequate clinical response.

Infants, Children, and Adolescents 6 months to 17 years

62.5 mg/kg/dose (50 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 12.5 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours (Max: 2.5 g [2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam]). Start within 1 hour for septic shock or within 3 hours for sepsis-associated organ dysfunction without shock. Duration of therapy is not well-defined and dependent on patient- and infection-specific factors. Assess patient daily for deescalation of antimicrobial therapy based on pathogen identification and/or adequate clinical response.

Infants 3 to 5 months

50 mg/kg/dose (40 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 10 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours. Start within 1 hour for septic shock or within 3 hours for sepsis-associated organ dysfunction without shock. Duration of therapy is not well-defined and dependent on patient- and infection-specific factors. Assess patient daily for deescalation of antimicrobial therapy based on pathogen identification and/or adequate clinical response.

For the treatment of sepsis using extended-infusion dosing due infections with difficult-to-treat resistance†. Intravenous dosage Adults

2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) administered over 3 hours IV every 8 hours. Start within 1 hour for septic shock or within 3 hours for possible sepsis without shock. Duration of therapy is not well-defined and dependent on patient- and infection-specific factors. Assess patient daily for deescalation of antimicrobial therapy based on pathogen identification and/or adequate clinical response.

†Indicates off-label use

Dosing Considerations
Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustments are needed.

Renal Impairment

Adults
CrCl more than 50 mL/minute: no dosage adjustment needed.
CrCl 31 to 50 mL/minute: 1.25 g (1 g ceftazidime and 0.25 g avibactam) IV every 8 hours.
CrCl 16 to 30 mL/minute: 0.94 g (0.75 g ceftazidime and 0.19 g avibactam) IV every 12 hours.
CrCl 6 to 15 mL/minute: 0.94 g (0.75 g ceftazidime and 0.19 g avibactam) IV every 24 hours.
CrCl 5 mL/minute or less: 0.94 g (0.75 g ceftazidime and 0.19 g avibactam) IV every 48 hours.[58865]
 
Pediatric patients 2 to 17 years
CrCl more than 50 mL/minute: no dosage adjustment needed.
CrCl 31 to 50 mL/minute: 31.25 mg/kg/dose (25 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 6.25 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 8 hours (Max: 1.25 g [1 g ceftazidime and 0.25 g avibactam]).
CrCl 16 to 30 mL/minute: 23.75 mg/kg/dose (19 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 4.75 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 12 hours (Max: 0.94 g [0.75 g ceftazidime and 0.19 g avibactam]).
CrCl 6 to 15 mL/minute: 23.75 mg/kg/dose (19 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 4.75 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 24 hours (Max: 0.94 g [0.75 g ceftazidime and 0.19 g avibactam]).
CrCl 5 mL/minute or less: 23.75 mg/kg/dose (19 mg/kg/dose ceftazidime and 4.75 mg/kg/dose avibactam) IV every 48 hours (Max: 0.94 g [0.75 g ceftazidime and 0.19 g avibactam]).[58865]
 
Pediatric patients younger than 2 years
There are insufficient data to recommend a dosage regimen for pediatric patients younger than 2 years with renal impairment.[58865]
 
Intermittent hemodialysis
Administer the dose and frequency based on patients estimated creatinine clearance, as shown above. Both ceftazidime and avibactam are removed by hemodialysis; therefore, administer the dose after hemodialysis on hemodialysis days.[58865]

Drug Interactions

Amikacin: (Minor) Ceftazidime's product label states that cephalosporins may potentiate the adverse renal effects of nephrotoxic agents, such as aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. Carefully monitor renal function, especially during prolonged therapy or use of high aminoglycoside doses. The majority of reported cases involve the combination of aminoglycosides and cephalothin or cephaloridine, which are associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity as singular agents. Limited but conflicting data with other cephalosporins have been noted.
Aminoglycosides: (Minor) Ceftazidime's product label states that cephalosporins may potentiate the adverse renal effects of nephrotoxic agents, such as aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. Carefully monitor renal function, especially during prolonged therapy or use of high aminoglycoside doses. The majority of reported cases involve the combination of aminoglycosides and cephalothin or cephaloridine, which are associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity as singular agents. Limited but conflicting data with other cephalosporins have been noted.
Gentamicin: (Minor) Ceftazidime's product label states that cephalosporins may potentiate the adverse renal effects of nephrotoxic agents, such as aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. Carefully monitor renal function, especially during prolonged therapy or use of high aminoglycoside doses. The majority of reported cases involve the combination of aminoglycosides and cephalothin or cephaloridine, which are associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity as singular agents. Limited but conflicting data with other cephalosporins have been noted.
Loop diuretics: (Minor) Nephrotoxicity associated with cephalosporins may be potentiated by concomitant therapy with loop diuretics. Clinicians should be aware that this may occur even in patients with minor or transient renal impairment.
Oral Contraceptives: (Moderate) It would be prudent to recommend alternative or additional contraception when oral contraceptives (OCs) are used in conjunction with antibiotics. It was previously thought that antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of OCs containing estrogens due to stimulation of metabolism or a reduction in enterohepatic circulation via changes in GI flora. One retrospective study reviewed the literature to determine the effects of oral antibiotics on the pharmacokinetics of contraceptive estrogens and progestins, and also examined clinical studies in which the incidence of pregnancy with OCs and antibiotics was reported. It was concluded that the antibiotics ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, metronidazole, ofloxacin, roxithromycin, temafloxacin, and tetracycline did not alter plasma concentrations of OCs. Antituberculous drugs (e.g., rifampin) were the only agents associated with OC failure and pregnancy. Based on the study results, these authors recommended that back-up contraception may not be necessary if OCs are used reliably during oral antibiotic use. Another review concurred with these data, but noted that individual patients have been identified who experienced significant decreases in plasma concentrations of combined OC components and who appeared to ovulate; the agents most often associated with these changes were rifampin, tetracyclines, and penicillin derivatives. These authors concluded that because females most at risk for OC failure or noncompliance may not be easily identified and the true incidence of such events may be under-reported, and given the serious consequence of unwanted pregnancy, that recommending an additional method of contraception during short-term antibiotic use may be justified. During long-term antibiotic administration, the risk for drug interaction with OCs is less clear, but alternative or additional contraception may be advisable in selected circumstances. Data regarding progestin-only contraceptives or for newer combined contraceptive deliveries (e.g., patches, rings) are not available.
Paromomycin: (Minor) Ceftazidime's product label states that cephalosporins may potentiate the adverse renal effects of nephrotoxic agents, such as aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. Carefully monitor renal function, especially during prolonged therapy or use of high aminoglycoside doses. The majority of reported cases involve the combination of aminoglycosides and cephalothin or cephaloridine, which are associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity as singular agents. Limited but conflicting data with other cephalosporins have been noted.
Plazomicin: (Minor) Ceftazidime's product label states that cephalosporins may potentiate the adverse renal effects of nephrotoxic agents, such as aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. Carefully monitor renal function, especially during prolonged therapy or use of high aminoglycoside doses. The majority of reported cases involve the combination of aminoglycosides and cephalothin or cephaloridine, which are associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity as singular agents. Limited but conflicting data with other cephalosporins have been noted.
Probenecid: (Major) Avoid concurrent administration of ceftazidime; avibactam with probenicid. Use of these medications together may decrease the renal clearance of avibactam; thereby resulting in prolonged drug exposures. Avibactam is a substrate of the renal organic anion transporters (OAT)1 and OAT3; probenecid is a potent inhibitor of these transporters. An in vitro study found probencid blocked 56% to 70% of avibactam uptake by these transporters.
Probenecid; Colchicine: (Major) Avoid concurrent administration of ceftazidime; avibactam with probenicid. Use of these medications together may decrease the renal clearance of avibactam; thereby resulting in prolonged drug exposures. Avibactam is a substrate of the renal organic anion transporters (OAT)1 and OAT3; probenecid is a potent inhibitor of these transporters. An in vitro study found probencid blocked 56% to 70% of avibactam uptake by these transporters.
Sodium picosulfate; Magnesium oxide; Anhydrous citric acid: (Major) Prior or concomitant use of antibiotics with sodium picosulfate; magnesium oxide; anhydrous citric acid may reduce efficacy of the bowel preparation as conversion of sodium picosulfate to its active metabolite bis-(p-hydroxy-phenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane (BHPM) is mediated by colonic bacteria. If possible, avoid coadministration. Certain antibiotics (i.e., tetracyclines and quinolones) may chelate with the magnesium in sodium picosulfate; magnesium oxide; anhydrous citric acid solution. Therefore, these antibiotics should be taken at least 2 hours before and not less than 6 hours after the administration of sodium picosulfate; magnesium oxide; anhydrous citric acid solution.
Streptomycin: (Minor) Ceftazidime's product label states that cephalosporins may potentiate the adverse renal effects of nephrotoxic agents, such as aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. Carefully monitor renal function, especially during prolonged therapy or use of high aminoglycoside doses. The majority of reported cases involve the combination of aminoglycosides and cephalothin or cephaloridine, which are associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity as singular agents. Limited but conflicting data with other cephalosporins have been noted.
Tobramycin: (Minor) Ceftazidime's product label states that cephalosporins may potentiate the adverse renal effects of nephrotoxic agents, such as aminoglycosides and loop diuretics. Carefully monitor renal function, especially during prolonged therapy or use of high aminoglycoside doses. The majority of reported cases involve the combination of aminoglycosides and cephalothin or cephaloridine, which are associated with dose-related nephrotoxicity as singular agents. Limited but conflicting data with other cephalosporins have been noted.
Warfarin: (Moderate) The concomitant use of warfarin with many classes of antibiotics, including cephalosporins, may increase the INR thereby potentiating the risk for bleeding. Inhibition of vitamin K synthesis due to alterations in the intestinal flora may be a mechanism; however, concurrent infection is also a potential risk factor for elevated INR. Additionally, certain cephalosporins (cefotetan, cefoperazone, cefamandole) are associated with prolongation of the prothrombin time due to the methylthiotetrazole (MTT) side chain at the R2 position, which disturbs the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Additionally, increased monitoring of the INR, especially during initiation and upon discontinuation of the antibiotic, may be necessary.

How Supplied

AVYCAZ Intravenous Inj Pwd F/Sol: 2-0.5g

Maximum Dosage
Adults

7.5 g/day IV (6 g/day ceftazidime and 1.5 g/day avibactam).

Geriatric

7.5 g/day IV (6 g/day ceftazidime and 1.5 g/day avibactam).

Adolescents

187.5 mg/kg/day IV (150 mg/kg/day ceftazidime and 37.5 mg/kg/day avibactam; Max: 7.5 g/day [6 g/day ceftazidime and 1.5 g/day avibactam]).

Children

187.5 mg/kg/day IV (150 mg/kg/day ceftazidime and 37.5 mg/kg/day avibactam; Max: 7.5 g/day [6 g/day ceftazidime and 1.5 g/day avibactam]).

Infants

6 to 11 months: 187.5 mg/kg/day IV (150 mg/kg/day ceftazidime and 37.5 mg/kg/day avibactam).
3 to 5 months: 150 mg/kg/day IV (120 mg/kg/day ceftazidime and 30 mg/kg/day avibactam).
1 to 2 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Neonates

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Mechanism Of Action

Ceftazidime, a beta-lactam antibiotic, is mainly bactericidal. It inhibits the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis by preferentially binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are located inside the bacterial cell wall. PBPs are responsible for several steps in cell wall synthesis and are found in quantities of several hundred to several thousand molecules per bacterial cell. PBPs vary among different bacterial species. Thus, the intrinsic activity of ceftazidime and other beta-lactams against a particular organism depends on their ability to gain access to and bind with the necessary PBP. In particular, ceftazidime preferentially binds to PBP-3 of gram-negative rods. Since PBP-3 is responsible for formation of the septum during cell division, ceftazidime's inhibition of these proteins causes elongation of the bacteria, inhibition of bacterial cell division, and breakage of the cell wall resulting in cell lysis and death. Lysis is mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes (i.e., autolysins). The relationship between PBPs and autolysins is unclear, but it is possible that the beta-lactam antibiotic interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.[44649] [51464] [51465] [58909] Prevention of the autolysin response to beta-lactam antibiotic exposure through loss of autolytic activity (mutation) or inactivation of autolysin (low-medium pH) by the microorganism can lead to tolerance to the beta-lactam antibiotic resulting in bacteriostatic activity.[51465]
 
Beta-lactams, including ceftazidime, exhibit concentration-independent or time-dependent killing. In vitro and in vivo animal studies have demonstrated that the major pharmacodynamic parameter that determines efficacy for beta-lactams is the amount of time free (non-protein bound) drug concentrations exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the organism (free T above the MIC).[34145] [34143] [35436] [35437] [35438] [35439] This microbiological killing pattern is due to the mechanism of action, which is acylation of PBPs. There is a maximum proportion of PBPs that can be acylated; therefore, once maximum acylation has occurred, killing rates cannot increase.[35439] Free beta-lactam concentrations do not have to remain above the MIC for the entire dosing interval. The percentage of time required for both bacteriostatic and maximal bactericidal activity is different for the various classes of beta-lactams. Cephalosporins require free drug concentrations to be above the MIC for 35% to 40% of the dosing interval for bacteriostatic activity and 60% to 70% of the dosing interval for bactericidal activity.[35436] [35437] [35438]
 
Due to the presence of an aminothiazolyl side chain, third-generation cephalosporins display enhanced activity against gram-negative bacteria, particularly the Enterobacterales. Also, because ceftazidime contains a 2-carboxy-2-oxypropane imino group, it shows increased activity against P. aeruginosa, which gives it an important advantage over other cephalosporins. However, the presence of the 2-carboxy-2-oxypropane imino group limits ceftazidime's activity against most gram-positive bacteria. In addition, ceftazidime is inactive against the anaerobes B. fragilis and Clostridium sp.[44649] [58909]
 
Avibactam (like tazobactam, sulbactam, and clavulanic acid) is an inhibitor of bacterial beta-lactamases. Avibactam protects ceftazidime against the following beta-lactamases: TEM, SHV, CTX-M, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), AmpC, and certain oxacillinases (OXA). Avibactam will not protect ceftazidime against metallo-beta-lactamase producing bacteria, or bacteria that overexpress efflux pumps or have porin mutations.[58865]
 
The susceptibility interpretive criteria for ceftazidime; avibactam are delineated by pathogen. The MICs are defined for P. aeurginosa and Enterobacterales as susceptible at 8/4 mcg/mL or less and resistant at 16/4 mcg/mL or more based on a dosage of 2.5 g (2 g ceftazidime and 0.5 g avibactam) IV every 8 hours.[63320] [63321]
 
Resistance to cephalosporins occurs as a result of decreased permeability, alterations of PBPs, and hydrolysis by beta-lactamases.[44649] [58909] [58865]

Pharmacokinetics

Ceftazidime; avibactam is administered intravenously.[58865]
Ceftazidime: Approximately 10% of the circulating drug is protein-bound. Ceftazidime is distributed into most body tissues and fluids. Average tissue or fluid ceftazidime concentrations after a 2 g IV dose include bile (36.4 mcg/mL), synovial fluid (25.6 mcg/mL), peritoneal fluid (48.6 mcg/mL), sputum (9 mcg/mL), CSF (9.8 mcg/mL), CSF with inflamed meninges (9.4 mcg/mL), aqueous humor (11 mcg/mL), blister fluid (19.7 mcg/mL), lymphatic fluid (23.4 mcg/mL), bone (31.1 mcg/mL), heart muscle (12.7 mcg/mL), skin (6.6 mcg/mL), skeletal muscle (9.4 mcg/mL), and myometrium (18.7 mcg/mL). Up to 90% of an administered dose is excreted unchanged into the urine over a 24-hour period, primarily via glomerular filtration; urine concentrations average 2,100 mcg/mL after a 500 mg IM dose and 12,000 mcg/mL after a 2 g IV dose. Mean renal clearance is about 100 mL/minute. In patients with normal renal function, the elimination half-life of ceftazidime is 1.5 to 2 hours, but half-life increases as renal function declines.[29916] [58865]
Avibactam: At steady state, avibactam has a volume of distribution of 22 L, with 5% to 8% of the circulating drug being bound to human plasma protein. The drug does not appear to undergo hepatic metabolism; however, it is a substrate for renal organic anion transporters (OAT)1 and OAT3. These transporters may contribute to the elimination of the drug by actively removing it from the blood compartment. Excretion occurs primarily in the kidneys, with 85% of a dose recovered as unchanged drug within 96 hours. Renal clearance is 158 mL/minute, suggesting active tubular secretion contributes to the excretion of avibactam. In patients with normal renal function, the elimination half-life is 2 hours.[58865]
 
Affected cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and drug transporters: OAT1 and OAT3
Avibactam is a substrate of OAT1 and OAT3. Inhibitors of these transporters may decrease the renal clearance of avibactam, resulting in prolonged drug exposure.[58865]

Intravenous Route

Ceftazidime: The maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and drug exposure (AUC) of ceftazidime increase in a dose proportional manner. Drug accumulation has not been observed following repeated IV infusions every 8 hours for up to 11 days.
Avibactam: Over a dose range of 50 to 2,000 mg, avibactam demonstrates approximately linear pharmacokinetics. Drug accumulation has not been observed following repeated IV infusions every 8 hours for up to 11 days.

Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy

No adequate or well-controlled studies with ceftazidime; avibactam have been conducted in pregnant women. Data from animal studies revealed no teratogenic effects in the off-spring of rats and rabbits given doses up to 40-times the recommended human dose. Because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, ceftazidime; avibactam should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Use caution if administering ceftazidime; avibactam to breast-feeding mothers, as small quantities of ceftazidime are excreted in human breast milk; the presence of avibactam in human milk is unknown. Although considered unlikely, exposure of infants to ceftazidime through breast-feeding may alter gut flora and result in diarrhea or related complications (e.g., dehydration). Because the risk of serious reactions is relatively rare, the use of many cephalosporins is considered compatible with breast feeding. Previous American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations considered ceftazidime as generally compatible with breast-feeding.