What is Cefacetrile?
Cefacetrile is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It was developed in the 1980s as an injectable form, but its clinical use was discontinued due to adverse effects, particularly hypotension and rash. As such, it has not gained widespread acceptance or approval for human use.
What is Cefacetrile used for?
Cefacetrile, also known as cefatril or cefalotin, is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It was first synthesized in the 1970s and has been marketed under various trade names for use against bacterial infections. Cephalosporins are a class of beta-lactam antibiotics that have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
Cefacetrile is characterized by its stable crystalline form and high solubility in water, making it suitable for parenteral administration. The drug has demonstrated potent activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including strains resistant to other cephalosporins and penicillins. However, the therapeutic use of cefacetrile has been limited due to its poor stability when exposed to light or heat, as well as its potential for causing renal toxicity in some patients.
As a result, development and marketing efforts for cefacetrile have not progressed significantly beyond early stages. Nonetheless, its antibiotic properties remain an area of interest for pharmaceutical research, potentially offering new avenues for treating resistant bacterial infections.
Pharmacological Properties
Cefacetrile acts by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in susceptible bacteria through the binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Its spectrum includes many Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain strains of Haemophilus influenzae. The drug exhibits a relatively long half-life and is primarily excreted via the kidneys.
Despite its promising profile, concerns about stability, toxicity, and potential pharmacokinetic drawbacks have led to limited therapeutic application for cefacetrile. However, understanding its properties can provide valuable insights into the evolution of antibiotic therapy and inform future research efforts in addressing the complex challenges posed by antibiotic resistance.
Cefacetrile side effects
• Abdominal pain • Anxiety • Diarrhea • Dizziness • Fatigue • Fever • Hives • Infection • Nausea • Rash • Restlessness • Sore throat • Swollen lymph nodes • Vomiting
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