Drug Groups

approved

Description

A semisynthetic cephamycin antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. It has a high rate of efficacy in many types of infection and to date no severe side effects have been noted. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms.

Pharmacology

Cefmetazole is a second-generation cephalosporin. The cephalosporins are bactericidal drugs with both gram-positive and gram-negative activity. They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis in a way similar to the penicillins. Cefmetazole is more active than 1st-generation cephalosporins against indole-positive Proteus, Serratia, anaerobic gram-negative bacilli (including B. fragilis), and some E. coli, Klebsiella, and P. mirabilis, but is less active than cefoxitin or cefotetan against most gram-negative bacilli.

Toxicity

Oral LD₅₀ in rats is 3,204 mg/kg. With other b-lactam antibiotics, adverse effects following overdosage have included nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and convulsions.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

No appreciable metabolism.

Absorption

Bioavailability is approximately 100% following intramuscular injection.

Half Life

1.50 ±0.14 hours

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