What is Cephalothin?
Cephalothin is a broad-spectrum cephamycin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria. Cephalothin is typically administered intravenously and is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli.
What is Cephalothin used for?
Cephalothin is a broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic that belongs to the first-generation cephalosporins class of antibiotics. It was first introduced in 1964 as a parenteral (injectable) agent for treating various bacterial infections. Cephalothin is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Cephalothin acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are essential for bacterial growth. This mechanism leads to the disruption of the bacterial cell wall, ultimately resulting in cell death. The drug is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly and has a relatively short half-life of about 40-60 minutes. Cephalothin’s use has declined over the years with the development of newer, more effective antibiotics; however, it may still be used as an option for treating certain infections in specific patient populations or when other treatment options are not feasible.
Cephalothin side effects
- Altered sense of taste
- Anemia
- Blood disorders
- Bone and cartilage problems (including bursitis, synovitis, osteomalacia)
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Edema
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Feeling of coldness or heat in hands and feet
- Hallucinations
- Increased bleeding tendency
- Kidney problems (including interstitial nephritis)
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Neutropenia
- Pain or discomfort in abdomen, back, eye, ear, jaw, joint, leg, mouth, skin, throat, and other body parts
- Rash
- Seizures
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Tingling sensation
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vaginal discharge
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