Avycaz

Generic name: avibactam and ceftazidime [ AV-i-BAK-tam-and-sef-TAZ-i-deem ]
Drug class: Cephalosporins / beta-lactamase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 4, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Avycaz?

Avycaz is a combination antibiotic that is used with metronidazole to treat complicated stomach infections in adults, children, and premature babies born at least 31 weeks or later.

Avycaz is also used to treat complicated infections of the urinary tract (bladder and kidneys) and pneumonia (a lung infection) that developed during or shortly after a hospital stay or while on a ventilator in adults, children, and premature babies born at least 31 weeks or later.

Avycaz may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Avycaz side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Avycaz may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• seizure;

• tremor or uncontrolled shaking, especially in your hands;

• muscle movements you cannot control; or

• hallucinations, loss of consciousness, confusion, or change in your mental state.

Common side effects of Avycaz may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• rash;

• diarrhea;

• abnormal liver function tests; or

• bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding where the IV needle is placed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Avycaz if you are allergic to Avycaz, or similar medicines such as cephalexin, cefdinir, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefuroxime, Ceftin, ceftibuten, cefazolin, cefditoren, and cephradine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• diarrhea caused by infection, a medical condition, or antibiotics;

• an allergy to similar antibiotics such as meropenem, amoxicillin, ampicillin, Augmentin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, ticarcillin, and others;

• any other allergy; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Avycaz given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Avycaz is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.

Avycaz is usually given until lab tests show the infection has cleared. Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Avycaz.

You may need frequent medical tests and your treatment may be changed based on the results.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Avycaz will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Avycaz?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Avycaz?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• probenecid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Avycaz, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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