Drug Groups

approved

Description

Cephalosporin antibiotic, partly plasma-bound, that is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. [PubChem]

Indication

For treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Pharmacology

Cephapirin is a first-generation cephalosporin that has a wide spectrum of activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Cephapirin is more resistant to beta-lactamases than are the penicillins and so is effective against staphylococci, with the exception of methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

Toxicity

Rats exposed via the oral route to cephapirin displayed low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ = 14000 mg/kg). The most common adverse reactions are hypersensitivity reactions and alterations to liver function. Evidence of white blood cell disorders and anaemia were noted in some subjects.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Major metabolite detected is desacetylcephapirin.