Clinical and bacteriological evaluation of ceftazidime (GR 20263) as an antipseudomonal drug

Ceftazidime was evaluated as an antipseudomonal drug, in a non-comparative study including 10 men and 4 women, at a daily dose of 3-6 g/day i.v. or i.m. for 4 days. Bacteriological eradication was initally obtained in 13 patients (93%), but 1 patient did not significantly improve, and 1 failure and 4 relapses occurred. Follow up was not adequate in 2 patients, so definite cure was obtained in 7/12 patients (58.3%). The drug was withdrawn in one case because of a severe rash; other side-effects were minimal and reversible. All the organisms were susceptible to ceftazidime (mean MIC 1.72 mg/l). Mean serum levels of ceftazidime were 2 mg/l at the trough and 55.7 mg/l (range 48-70) 30 min after iv injection, and after 1 g i.m. 5.1 mg/l (2-125) and 34.1 mg/l (18-48), respectively. A good correlation was generally observed between serum activity, serum values and MICs.