Cefalotin

What is Cefalotin?

Fig.1: Skeletal structure of Cefalotin

Cefalotin

• Cefalotin, also known as Cephalothin, is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic.

What are the uses of this medicine?

• Cefalotin is used to treat bacterial infections in the urinary tract, skin, bone, joints, or lower respiratory tract. It is also used to prevent infection during surgery.

How does this medicine work?

• Cefalotin inhibits cell wall synthesis through it's affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which are necessary for the synthesis of the bacteria's peptidoglycan, an important component of the cell wall.
• Therefore, Cefalotin inhibits PBPs which in turns inhibits cell wall synthesis.

Who Should Not Use this medicine?

• Anyone with an allergy to other antibiotics, such as penicillin or cephalosporins, should discuss with their doctor about whether this medication is right for them or not.

Is this medicine FDA approved?

• This medicine is FDA approved.

How should this medicine be used?

• Cefalotin is administered intravenously, meaning it is given by injection into a vein or muscle.

What are the  dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

• Dosage varies and is based on patient's medical condition and how they are responding to the treatment.
• The brand name is Keflin.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects include:

• Pain at the site of the injection.
• Fever.
• Tachycardia.
• Allergic reactions.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea and / or vomiting
• Abdominal pain.

• Furthermore, agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia and hemolytic anemia have been reported in some patients treated with this drug.

What special precautions should I follow?

• Discuss with your doctor about any renal impairments because that might require any adjustment to the dose.
• Discuss with your doctor if you experience changes in bowel movement because that might require you to stop using this drug.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
• In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

• This medicine is generally considered safe for pregnant women and studies show that it does not cause any teratogenic effects.
• However, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid the use of this medication since there are not many studies that shows the effects of this medicine in pregnant women.
• It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you are considering using this medication.

Can this medicine be used in children?

• Not many studies have been done on this use of this medication in children.
• The use of this medication in children might require any adjustment of dosage.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Store in room temperature and keep of reach of children and pets.

• Dailymed label info on Cefalotin
• FDA Cefalotin