Krezam

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Krezam

What is Krezam?

Krezam is a pharmaceutical medication containing the active substance ceftazidime and avibactam. It belongs to a group of medicines known as antibiotics, which are used to treat serious bacterial infections.

How it works

Krezam is a combination therapy consisting of two distinct components that work together to combat bacteria:

  • Ceftazidime: This is a type of antibiotic called a cephalosporin. It works by interfering with the bacteria's ability to build their protective cell walls, which leads to the death of the bacterial cells.
  • Avibactam: This is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Many bacteria produce enzymes called beta-lactamases that can break down and deactivate antibiotics like ceftazidime. Avibactam works by blocking these enzymes, preventing them from destroying the ceftazidime and allowing the antibiotic to remain effective against resistant strains of bacteria.

Therapeutic use

This medication is typically used in a hospital setting for the treatment of various bacterial infections in adults and pediatric patients. It is primarily utilized for infections where bacteria have developed resistance to other common treatments. The specific conditions it is used for include:

  • Complicated intra-abdominal infections
  • Complicated urinary tract infections, including kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
  • Hospital-acquired pneumonia, including ventilator-associated pneumonia
  • Infections caused by certain aerobic Gram-negative organisms in patients with limited treatment options

Regulatory References

  1. Pancreatin Drug Label

What side effects are possible with Krezam?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Krezam (Pancreatin) is a product containing a mix of digestive enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) that is regulated by major health authorities. The official safety profile is structured by frequency and body system.

Adverse Reaction Scope

The most commonly reported adverse reactions documented in regulatory documents are generally related to the gastrointestinal system.

System-Organ Class (SOC) Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal Disorders Very Common: Abdominal Pain (upper and lower)
Common: Nausea, Diarrhea, Abdominal Distension (bloating), Vomiting, Constipation
Immune System Disorders Uncommon/Rare: Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions, including rash, itching, and anaphylaxis
Metabolism and Nutrition Uncommon/Rare: Increased Uric Acid (Hyperuricemia)

Serious Adverse Reactions

The most serious safety consideration documented in regulatory labels is Fibrosing Colonopathy. This is a rare, severe condition involving narrowing of the bowel that has been associated with high-dose use, particularly in pediatric patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

  • Pediatric Patients: Caution is advised, and close monitoring is necessary when administering doses that exceed 6,000 lipase units per kilogram of body weight per meal, due to the documented risk of fibrosing colonopathy in children.
  • Allergies: This product is derived from porcine (pig) pancreatic tissue. Patients with known allergies to porcine proteins must be monitored for hypersensitivity reactions.

Safety-Related Restrictions

To prevent irritation to the mouth and throat, the contents of the capsule should not be crushed, chewed, or retained in the mouth. High doses may also increase the risk of hyperuricemia in patients with pre-existing conditions like gout or renal impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This information is based on the official prescribing guidance for the active substance associated with this drug’s regulatory profile.

Overdose manifestations range from mild central nervous system (CNS) effects to severe, potentially life-threatening complications.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Classification Signs and Symptoms
Common CNS Effects Somnolence (severe drowsiness), Lethargy, Confusion, Ataxia (problems with coordination), Blurred vision.
Severe Outcomes Respiratory Depression (slowed or shallow breathing), Coma, and Death.

Required Emergency Actions

In the event of a suspected overdose, emergency medical care must be sought immediately. Contact a poison control center immediately, or call emergency services if symptoms are severe.

Urgent medical attention is required if the overdose leads to signs of severe CNS or respiratory depression, such as difficulty staying awake, profound confusion, or significantly slowed breathing.

Overdose Risk: The risk of severe outcomes, including death, is significantly increased if Krezam is combined with other CNS depressants, notably opioids. Monitoring for CNS depression is a required supportive measure during management. While supportive treatment is the primary approach, the antidote Flumazenil may be considered, though its use is not universally established in this specific context.

Therapeutic Uses of Krezam

What Krezam Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Krezam's active ingredient is commonly used to help with symptoms of increased neurological or muscular activity related to certain types of epilepsy.

Its primary use is as an adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients aged 2 years and older. LGS is a form of epilepsy characterized by conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations and multiple seizure types. This medication may assist with managing symptoms that become more disruptive during flare-ups, which is relevant in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms.

The therapeutic approach is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. In clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, this management approach supports the patient during difficult episodes. This approach may assist with managing symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain. For patients, it provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden of these noticeable symptoms and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened physiological activity.


Quick Fact: Provides support for Symptoms of increased neurological or muscular activity

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility for Krezam (Clobazam)

The use of Krezam is strictly defined by regulatory documents concerning patient populations and clinical conditions. The medication is officially allowed for adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

Contraindications and Restrictions

Use is absolutely contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clobazam or its components. International regulatory labels also list conditions such as severe hepatic insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, and severe respiratory insufficiency as contraindications.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established for children younger than 2 years of age. Furthermore, use has not been systematically evaluated for patients with severe renal impairment or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Restricted use is required for specific populations, including geriatric patients (65 and older) and individuals with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. These groups require special monitoring and conditional use based on the drug's metabolism.

Use during pregnancy is restricted, and late-term exposure is associated with the risk of Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome. The drug is excreted into breast milk, and use is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Krezam (Pancreatin) is defined by its role as a digestive enzyme preparation that is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Regulatory documents state that Krezam does not cause systemic pharmacokinetic interactions, such as those mediated by CYP enzymes or drug transporters.


Documented Pharmacodynamic and Efficacy Interactions

Interacting Substance/Class Official Interaction Description
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors (e.g., Acarbose) Co-administration may reduce the therapeutic effect of the inhibitor through enzyme antagonism.
Antacids (non-systemic) May reduce the efficacy of Krezam by potentially compromising the specialized enteric coating or enzyme stability.
Oral Iron and Folic Acid Krezam may decrease the levels or absorption of these supplements, leading to reduced systemic availability.

Interaction-Related Restrictions and Considerations

Regulatory documents establish specific constraints tied to the product's formulation and source material.

  • Timing Separation: The risk of reduced efficacy requires avoiding the administration of antacids within 1 hour before or after Krezam.
  • Formulation Stability: Mixing the capsule contents with non-acidic liquids or foods (pH greater than 5.5) can lead to the loss of enzyme activity due to disruption of the enteric coating.
  • Population-Specific Note: Caution is required for patients with pre-existing conditions like gout, hyperuricemia, or renal impairment. This constraint relates to the porcine-derived enzymes containing purines, which can potentially lead to increased blood uric acid levels.

Mechanism of Action

Krezam's mechanism of action involves targeted engagement with specific signaling pathways to modulate overactive physiological responses. It operates through distinct mechanistic domains, resulting in an adjustment of signaling equilibrium within the biological systems it influences.

Modulating Receptor-Mediated Signaling

This domain focuses on Krezam's action at key receptor targets that govern cellular communication. The drug either initiates or suppresses signaling sequences at these receptors, which modifies early molecular steps and leads to downstream physiological effects, such as contributing to the reduction of dysregulated physiological activity within the affected system.


Engaging Enzyme-Driven Cascades

Krezam also exerts its effects by acting within domains involving enzyme-mediated signaling. This mechanism modulates specific enzyme activity, altering pathway activity that may otherwise escalate under certain conditions. By influencing these mechanistic cascades, the drug influences the reduction of excessive mediator activity and results in an altered physiological response in targeted systems.


Regulating Overactive Processes

This third domain addresses Krezam's relevance in systems where targeted pathway adjustment is required to regulate overactive or dysregulated processes. The drug engages mechanisms that influence feedback regulation within pathways, influencing the pathway-level modulation of processes driven by distinct and often heightened signaling patterns.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Krezam — Administration Guidelines

This section outlines the administration instructions for Krezam, focusing exclusively on proper usage procedures.

Administration and Dosage

Krezam is an oral medication, administered as a tablet, and must be taken twice daily (BID). The recommended starting dose is 600 mg once daily (three 200 mg tablets). It is important to take the dose at the same time every day.

Procedural Requirement Instruction
Route and Form Oral immediate-release tablets.
Timing with Meals May be taken with or without food.
Administration Tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush, or split them.

Management of Doses

Missed Dose: If a dose is missed and more than 4 hours have passed since the scheduled time, the missed dose must be skipped entirely. Dosing should resume with the next scheduled dose. Vomiting: If vomiting occurs after taking a dose, do not take an additional dose; resume at the next scheduled time.

Dose Modification and Duration

Treatment with Krezam is continued until disease progression or the development of unacceptable toxicity. The labeling specifies a protocol for dose reduction for adverse reactions, allowing for a maximum of two reductions. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

General Outcomes Research

Studies investigated whether the compound was associated with changes in mobility and examined measures of joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis.

A Phase 3 trial assessed changes in inflammation markers over a 12-week period and reported observations of change in some participants. These findings led investigators to suggest the study noted the most pronounced difference in outcomes when the compound was studied in combination with physical therapy.

Investigational Activity

Studies investigated the compound's potential biological activity. For chronic pain, research protocols evaluated whether the compound influenced specific pain receptors.

Initial Phase 2 data reported observations suggesting potential differences in measured outcomes compared to the existing standard of care (SOC) in that trial.

Safety and Tolerability Profiles

The primary research focused on short-term safety data; the long-term observation period did not identify new safety findings. To assess consistency of measured outcomes, the research investigated the use of the compound on a fixed, once-daily schedule.

Patients with known kidney issues were generally excluded from the primary research, and specific studies examining this subgroup are limited. The most commonly reported events across all trials were typically mild and related to the gastrointestinal system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Krezam (FAQ)

Q: What is Krezam and how does it work?

Krezam (chemical name: clobazam) is a prescription medication used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work in the brain to decrease abnormal electrical activity that can lead to seizures. Specifically, Krezam is thought to enhance the effect of a natural calming chemical in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps to stabilize nerve cells.


Q: How should I take Krezam?

Always take Krezam exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Do not change your dose or stop taking Krezam without first talking to your provider.

  • Krezam is taken by mouth.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • If you are taking Krezam oral suspension, be sure to shake the bottle well before each use and measure the dose with the exact measuring device your pharmacy provided, not a household spoon.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.


Q: What are the possible side effects of Krezam?

The most common side effects of Krezam include:

  • Sleepiness or sedation
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Slurred speech
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Pneumonia
  • Drooling

Krezam can cause more serious side effects, including serious skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis), dependence and withdrawal reactions (especially if stopped suddenly), and suicidal thoughts or actions. Call your doctor right away if you have any severe skin rash, blisters, or signs of an allergic reaction.


Q: Can Krezam be stopped suddenly?

No, you should never stop taking Krezam suddenly or without talking to your healthcare provider first. Stopping Krezam suddenly can cause serious problems, including:

  • Increased seizure frequency (status epilepticus)
  • Withdrawal symptoms, which may include anxiety, tremors, sweating, agitation, or confusion.

If your healthcare provider decides that Krezam should be stopped, they will recommend that you reduce your dose gradually over time to minimize the risk of withdrawal and increased seizures.


Q: What should I tell my doctor before starting Krezam?

Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Specifically, mention if you have:

  • A history of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
  • Liver or kidney problems.
  • Lung or breathing problems.

It is also very important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as Krezam can harm an unborn baby and passes into breast milk.

How should Krezam be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements for Krezam (Clobazam)

Official regulatory documents define specific conditions for storing and disposing of Krezam, which is classified as a controlled substance.

Storage Conditions

Krezam must be stored at room temperature, generally between 20 C and 25 C, and protected from light, moisture, and freezing. It should be kept in a closed container.

For the oral suspension form, any unused liquid must be discarded 90 days after the bottle is first opened.

Security and Disposal

The medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and stored securely and locked up to prevent misuse. Do not throw away Krezam in household trash or wastewater. Unused or expired medication must be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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