Ceftizoxime dosage and administration
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dosage is 1 or 2 grams of Cefizox (ceftizoxime injection) in Galaxy® plastic container every 8 to 12 hours. Proper dosage and route of administration should be determined by the condition of the patient, severity of the infection, and susceptibility of the causative organisms.
 |
Because of the serious nature of urinary tract infections due to P. aeruginosa and because many strains of Pseudomonas species are only moderately susceptible to Cefizox, higher dosage is recommended. Other therapy should be instituted if the response is not prompt.
A single, 1 gram IM dose is the usual dose for treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea.
The IV route may be preferable for patients with bacterial septicemia, localized parenchymal abscesses (such as intraabdominal abscess), peritonitis, or other severe or lifethreatening infections.
In those with normal renal function, the IV dosage for such infections is 2 to 12 grams of Cefizox (ceftizoxime injection) daily. In conditions such as bacterial septicemia, 6 to 12 grams/day may be given initially by the IV route for several days, and the dosage may then be gradually reduced according to clinical response and laboratory findings.
 |
Dosage may be increased to a total daily dose of 200 mg/kg (not to exceed the maximum adult dose for serious infection).
Impaired Renal Function
Modification of Cefizox dosage is necessary in patients with impaired renal function. Following an initial loading dose of 500 mg-1 gram IV, the maintenance dosing schedule shown below should be followed. Further dosing should be determined by therapeutic monitoring, severity of the infection, and susceptibility of the causative organisms.
When only the serum creatinine level is available, creatinine clearance may be calculated from the following formula. The serum creatinine level should represent current renal function at the steady state.
 |
In patients undergoing hemodialysis, no additional supplemental dosing is required following hemodialysis; however, dosing should be timed so that the patient receives the dose (according to the table below) at the end of the dialysis.
 |
Directions for Use
Cefizox® (ceftizoxime injection) in Galaxy® plastic container is to be administered either as a continuous or intermittent infusion.
Storage
Store in a freezer capable of maintaining a temperature of -20°C/-4F°.
Thawing of Plastic Container
Thaw frozen container at room temperature (25°C/77°F) or under refrigeration (5°C/41°F). (DO NOT FORCE THAW BY IMMERSION IN WATER BATHS OR BY MICROWAVE IRRADIATION.)
Check for minute leaks by squeezing container firmly. If leaks are detected, discard solution as sterility may be impaired. The container should be visually inspected. Components of the solutions may precipitate in the frozen state and will dissolve upon reaching room temperature with little or no agitation. Potency is not affected. Agitate after solution has reached room temperature. If after visual inspection the solution remains cloudy or if insoluble precipitate is noted or if any seals or outlet ports are not intact, the container should be discarded.
DO NOT ADD SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICATION.
The thawed solution in Galaxy®plastic container (PL 2040) remains chemically stable for 28 days under refrigeration (5°C/41°F) or for 48 hours at room temperature (25°C/77°F).
DO NOT REFREEZE THAWED ANTIBIOTICS.
Preparation for Intravenous Administration
(Use aseptic technique)
Suspend container from eyelet support.
Remove protector from outlet port at bottom of container.
Attach administration set. Refer to complete directions accompanying set.
CAUTION: Do not use plastic containers in series connections. Such use could result in an embolism due to residual air being drawn from the primary container before administration of the fluid from the secondary container is complete.
Intravenous Administration
Cefizox®(ceftizoxime injection) in Galaxy® plastic container is to be administered either as a continuous or intermittent infusion over 15 to 30 min.[1]
References
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.