Cefmetazole

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Cefmetazole is a cephamycin antibiotic, usually grouped with the second-generation cephalosporins.

Adverse effects

The chemical structure of cefmetazole, like that of several other cephalosporins, contains an N-methylthiotetrazole (NMTT or 1-MTT) side chain. As the antibiotic is broken down in the body, it releases free NMTT, which can cause hypoprothrombinemia (likely due to inhibition of the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase) and a reaction with ethanol similar to that produced by disulfiram (Antabuse), due to inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase.^[1]

Spectrum of bacterial susceptibility

Cefmetazole is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antimicrobial and has been effective in treating bacteria responsible for causing urinary tract and skin infections. The following represents MIC susceptibility data for a few medically significant microorganisms.

Bacteroides fragilis: 0.06 – >256 µg/ml
Clostridium difficile: 8 – >128 µg/ml
Staphylococcus aureus: 0.5 – 256 µg/ml (includes MRSA)

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References

↑ Stork CM (2006). “Antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals”. In Nelson LH, Flomenbaum N, Goldfrank LR, Hoffman RL, Howland MD, Lewin NA (eds.). Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies. New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 847. ISBN 0-07-143763-0. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
↑ http://www.toku-e.com/Assets/MIC/Cefmetazole%20free%20acid.pdf

[Goldfrank-1] Stork CM (2006). “Antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals”. In Nelson LH, Flomenbaum N, Goldfrank LR, Hoffman RL, Howland MD, Lewin NA (eds.). Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies. New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 847. ISBN 0-07-143763-0. Retrieved 2009-07-03.

[2] ttp://www.toku-e.com/Assets/MIC/Cefmetazole%20free%20acid.pdf

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