Cefotiam hydrochloride

Cefotiam hydrochloride
File:Cefotiam.png
INN
Drug class
Routes of administration	Intravenous, Intramuscular
Pregnancy category
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life	1.0–1.5 hours
Excretion	Renal
Legal status
CAS Number	61622-34-2
PubChem	65664
DrugBank	DB01333
ChemSpider	59095
KEGG	D07658

Cefotiam hydrochloride is a beta-lactam antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class. It is used primarily for the treatment of bacterial infections and is known for its broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Pharmacology

Cefotiam hydrochloride works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, which are essential for the cross-linking of the peptidoglycan layer. This action results in the weakening of the cell wall and ultimately leads to cell lysis and death.

Mechanism of Action

Cefotiam hydrochloride, like other cephalosporins, exerts its bactericidal effect by binding to PBPs. These proteins are involved in the final stages of assembling the bacterial cell wall and reshaping it during growth and division. By inhibiting these proteins, cefotiam disrupts the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer, which is crucial for bacterial cell wall integrity.

Spectrum of Activity

Cefotiam is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including:

• Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Proteus mirabilis
• Haemophilus influenzae

It is not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Clinical Uses

Cefotiam hydrochloride is used to treat various infections, including:

• Respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Sepsis

Administration and Dosage

Cefotiam hydrochloride is administered either intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosage depends on the severity and type of infection, as well as the patient's renal function. Typical dosages range from 1 to 2 grams every 8 to 12 hours.

Pharmacokinetics

Cefotiam has a half-life of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 hours. It is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment.

Adverse Effects

Common adverse effects of cefotiam hydrochloride include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Allergic reactions, including rash and anaphylaxis
• Hematological effects such as eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia

Contraindications

Cefotiam hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or any component of the formulation.

Interactions

Cefotiam may interact with other medications, such as:

• Aminoglycosides: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity
• Probenecid: May increase serum levels of cefotiam

See Also

• Cephalosporin
• Antibiotic
• Beta-lactam antibiotic

External Links

• DrugBank: Cefotiam