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ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE › ANTIBACTERIALS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › OTHER BETA-LACTAM ANTIBACTERIALS › First-generation cephalosporins
cefapirin
J01DB08
Forms & Strengths
- Injectable powder for reconstitution: 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g, 10 g, 20 g vials
Adult Dosing
- Mild to moderate infections: 500 mg to 1 g IV or IM every 6 hours
- Severe or life-threatening infections: 1 g to 2 g IV every 4 hours
- Max daily dose: 12 g per 24 hours
Pediatric Dosing
- Children over 1 month: 40 mg/kg to 80 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours IV or IM
- Severe infections: up to 100 mg/kg/day divided every 4 hours
Indications
- Respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus
- Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes
- Urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella spp.
- Septicemia and endocarditis caused by susceptible pathogens
- Perioperative prophylaxis in surgical procedures
Mechanism of Action
- First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), resulting in lysis and cell death.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cefapirin or other cephalosporin-class antibiotics
- History of immediate hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to penicillins or other beta-lactams
Adverse Reactions
- Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, eosinophilia, and anaphylaxis
- Gastrointestinal effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pseudomembranous colitis
- Injection site reactions such as pain, induration, and sterile thrombophlebitis
- Transient elevations in liver enzymes, BUN, and serum creatinine
- Hematologic abnormalities including neutropenia, leukopenia, and positive Coombs' test
Drug Interactions
- Probenecid decreases renal tubular secretion of cephalosporins, leading to increased and prolonged serum concentrations
- Aminoglycosides and loop diuretics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) may have enhanced anticoagulant effects due to potential alteration of vitamin K synthesis
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use