Cephalothin

An antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections

Cephalothin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It was one of the first cephalosporins to be developed and is known for its broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria.

Mechanism of Action

Cephalothin 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 inhibition leads to the weakening of the cell wall and eventually causes cell lysis and death of the bacteria.

Pharmacokinetics

Cephalothin is administered either intravenously or intramuscularly. It is well-distributed in body tissues and fluids, including the pleural and synovial fluids. The drug is partially metabolized in the liver and is primarily excreted by the kidneys. The elimination half-life of cephalothin is approximately 0.5 to 1 hour.

Clinical Uses

Cephalothin is used to treat infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria, including:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae

It is often used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and urinary tract infections.

Adverse Effects

Common side effects of cephalothin include:

• Allergic reactions such as rash, pruritus, and fever
• Gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Local reactions at the injection site

Serious but rare side effects include anaphylaxis and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Resistance

Bacterial resistance to cephalothin can occur through the production of beta-lactamase enzymes that hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring, rendering the antibiotic ineffective. Resistance can also occur through alterations in PBPs or decreased permeability of the bacterial cell wall.

Also see

• Cephalosporin
• Antibiotic resistance
• Beta-lactam antibiotic
• Penicillin

Oral Cephalosporins

• Cefaclor (2nd)
• Cefadroxil (1st)
• Cefdinir (3rd)
• Cefditoren (3rd)
• Cefixime (3rd)
• Cefpodoxime (3rd)
• Cefprozil (2nd)
• Ceftibuten (1st)
• Cephalexin (1st)
• Cefuroxime (2nd)
• Cephradine (1st)
• Loracarbef (2nd)

Parenteral Cephalosporins

• Cefazolin (1st)
• Cefepime (4th)
• Cefoperazone (3rd)
• Cefotaxime (3rd)
• Cefoxitin (2nd)
• Ceftaroline (5th)
• Ceftazidime (3rd)
• Ceftibuten (3rd)
• Ceftizoxime (3rd)
• Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (5th)
• Cefuroxime (2nd)
• Cephradine (1st)
• Ceftriaxone (3rd)