title: Ceftazidime/Avibactam: A New Antibiotic for Gram-Negative Infections.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, dosing, and administration of ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A search of PubMed using the terms "ceftazidime," "avibactam," "NXL104," and "AVE1330A" was performed. The manufacturer's website was also reviewed to further identify relevant information.
  
  
  METHODS
  All English-language articles from 2004 to May 2015 appearing in these searches were reviewed for relevance to this paper. In addition, their bibliographies were reviewed to identify any articles not identified in the searches.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CAZ/AVI is a new cephalosporin β-lactamase inhibitor combination with a spectrum of activity targeted against Gram-negative organisms including Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The dosing regimen is 2.5 g every eight hours administered via IV infusion over two hours for 5 to 14 days. The dosing regimen should be adjusted based on renal function. A phase II trial has demonstrated that clinical cure rates with CAZ/AVI plus metronidazole are comparable to those with meropenem in the treatment of adults with complicated intra-abdominal infections. Another phase II clinical trial has demonstrated that clinical cure rates with CAZ/AVI are comparable to those with imipenem/cilastatin for the treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). CAZ/AVI has a side effect profile similar to that of cephalosporins and carbapenems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CAZ/AVI has a favorable efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of adults with complicated intra-abdominal infections or cUTIs. Further research is needed to refine its role, particularly for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative infections.
authors.affiliation: Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Elias B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Chahine
authors.forename: Mariette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sourial
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ortiz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002442:Ceftazidime / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D059413:Intraabdominal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D004338:Drug Combinations; C000595613:avibactam, ceftazidime drug combination; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; D002442:Ceftazidime