How does Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) work?

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. __Ceftazidime__ is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from making [cell walls](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ceftazidime) to protect themselves. But, some bacteria can make proteins called [beta-lactamases](https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/bacteria-and-antibacterial-drugs/beta-lactams#v48471601) that can break down ceftazidime and cause it to not work well. __Avibactam__ is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that [protects ceftazidime](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4959616/) from being broken down by these proteins, and helps it work better at fighting infections.

Avycaz

Q: What is Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) used for?

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) is typically used to treat 1) some stomach infections, when used together with [metronidazole (Flagyl)](https://www.goodrx.com/metronidazole/what-is), 2) complicated urinary tract infections, and 3) pneumonia from the hospital or [a ventilator](https://www.cdc.gov/hai/vap/vap.html).

Q: When is Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) considered to be used?

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria called [Gram-negative bacteria](https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-gram-negative-bacteria/overview-of-gram-negative-bacteria). But, it's specifically used for people in the hospital who have, or who are suspected of having, a severe infection from [resistant bacteria](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26289307/). Resistant bacteria are bacteria that are difficult to fight off, even with the use of many antibiotics. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, your provider might give Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) to you by itself or together with another antibiotic.

Q: How is Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) given?

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) is given as an injection through the veins (IV) to people in the hospital. The total infusion time is typically 2 hours. Depending on the infection, some people might be able to receive Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) at home under instructions from their provider.

Q: What are common side effects with Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)?

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) is a typically well-tolerated medication and doesn't have many side effects. Some possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, itching, rash, and swelling and redness of the vein from infusion.

ceftazidime / avibactam

Used for Bacterial Infection, Urinary Tract Infection

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) is a newer antibiotic that treats infections caused by certain bacteria called Gram-negative bacteria. It's commonly used for people who have, or might have, an infection from resistant bacteria. It's given as an injection through the veins and is available as a brand-name medication only, which can be expensive.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 12, 2022

What is Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)?

What is Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) used for?

Stomach infections, when used together with metronidazole (Flagyl)
Complicated urinary tract infections
Pneumonia from the hospital or a ventilator

Are you looking for information on Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Avycaz
Drug Class	Antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Avycaz

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Avycaz

Avycaz is typically used to treat 1) some stomach infections, when used together with metronidazole (Flagyl), 2) complicated urinary tract infections, and 3) pneumonia from the hospital or a ventilator.

Avycaz is a combination of two medications that work together to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Ceftazidime is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from making cell walls to protect themselves. But, some bacteria can make proteins called beta-lactamases that can break down ceftazidime and cause it to not work well. Avibactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects ceftazidime from being broken down by these proteins, and helps it work better at fighting infections.

Avycaz is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria called Gram-negative bacteria. But, it's specifically used for people in the hospital who have, or who are suspected of having, a severe infection from resistant bacteria. Resistant bacteria are bacteria that are difficult to fight off, even with the use of many antibiotics. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, your provider might give Avycaz to you by itself or together with another antibiotic.

Avycaz is given as an injection through the veins (IV) to people in the hospital. The total infusion time is typically 2 hours. Depending on the infection, some people might be able to receive Avycaz at home under instructions from their provider.

The typical dose for adults is 2.5 grams injected through the veins (IV) every 8 hours. The dose for children is calculated based on weight and also given every 8 hours. Your dose might be lower or less frequent if you have kidney problems.

Avycaz is a typically well-tolerated medication and doesn't have many side effects. Some possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, itching, rash, and swelling and redness of the vein from infusion.

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) dosage

Typical dosage for Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)

What are alternatives to Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)

Used for:

Stomach infections, when used together with metronidazole (Flagyl)
Complicated urinary tract infections
Pneumonia from the hospital or a ventilator

View prices

Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam)

Used for:

Severe stomach infections, when used together with metronidazole (Flagyl)
Severe urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Pneumonia that develops when you're hospitalized or when you're on a ventilator

View prices

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) images

This medicine is White And Yellow Vial.white and yellow - Avycaz 2.5g Powder for Injection

What is Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)?

What is Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) used for?

Are you looking for information on Zerbaxa (ceftolozane / tazobactam) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Avycaz

What is Avycaz used for?

How does Avycaz work?

When is Avycaz considered to be used?

How is Avycaz given?

What is the dose of Avycaz?

What are common side effects with Avycaz?

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) dosage

Typical dosage for Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)

What are alternatives to Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam)?

Avycaz (ceftazidime / avibactam) images

Common questions about Avycaz

What is Avycaz used for?

How does Avycaz work?

When is Avycaz considered to be used?

How is Avycaz given?

What is the dose of Avycaz?

What are common side effects with Avycaz?