Use of ceftazidime in the treatment of severe localized and systemic infections

The efficacy of ceftazidime, a new broad-spectrum cephalosporin, active also against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was tested in 19 patients suffering from severe, nonpulmonary localized or systemic infections, which were associated for the most part with concurrent diseases that often had already been unsuccessfully treated with other antibiotics. The treatment varied from 0.5 to 2 g three times daily by the intramuscular or intravenous routes for a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 16 days. Most of the microorganisms isolated were gram-negative (82.6%). Ceftazidime treatment proved efficacious in 17 of 19 cases (89.4%). No toxic effects were observed on hepatic, renal, and hematologic functions. Only in one case did a transient skin rash appear, which did not necessitate discontinuance of the treatment.