Ceftazidime-related nonconvulsive status epilepticus

The third-generation cephalosporin, ceftazidime, is widely used for the treatment of serious gram-negative infections. As is true of cephalosporins in general, reported adverse effects have been few. We report a case of ceftazidime-induced status epilepticus in a patient with Pseudomonas aeruginosa meningitis and compare the clinical manifestations of this case with those of two previously described cases of ceftazidime-related encephalopathy. This diagnosis should be entertained and an electroencephalogram should be obtained in all patients with myoclonus and/or altered mental status while they are receiving ceftazidime therapy.