Fixed-dose combination ceftolozane / tazobactam (Zerbaxa) for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections

The fixed-dose combination ceftolozane / tazobactam is given every 8 hours in the form of an infusion into the bloodstream (IV drip). The dose for complicated intra-abdominal infections is 1 g ceftolozane and 0.5 g tazobactam. Depending on the course of the disease, the treatment is stopped after 4 to 14 days.

The dose is lowered in patients who have moderately to severely impaired kidney function or terminal kidney failure.

Depending on which bacteria are involved, other antibiotics may be used as well.

Adults who have a complicated intra-abdominal infection can have treatment with individualized antibiotic therapy. Individualized antibiotic therapy takes into account the local occurrence of germs, (local) resistances to antibiotics, the risk of infection by multiresistant bacteria and the sensitivity of the bacteria to the antibiotics.

In 2020, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany) looked into the advantages and disadvantages of the fixed-dose combination ceftolozane / tazobactam when compared with the standard treatments for complicated intra-abdominal infections in adults.

But the manufacturer didn’t provide any suitable data with which to do the assessment.

This information summarizes the main results of a review produced by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany). The review was commissioned by the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) as part of the “early benefit assessment of medications.” On the basis of the review and the hearings received, the G-BA passed a resolution on the added benefit of the fixed-dose combination of ceftolozane / tazobactam (Zerbaxa).