Neurotoxicity associated with ceftazidime therapy in geriatric patients with renal dysfunction

Ceftazidime, a beta-lactamase-stable, third-generation cephalosporin, is widely used for the treatment of serious gram-negative infections. Neurotoxicity has rarely been associated with the drug; however, two of our patients developed ceftazidime-induced neurotoxicity that produced confusion, disorientation, agitation, generalized weakness, and myoclonus. In both patients these symptoms cleared with either discontinuation or reduction of the dosage of ceftazidime. This emphasizes the importance of adjusting the dosage of ceftazidime in patients with renal insufficiency.