indication

For prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections.

pharmacology

Cefotetan is a semisynthetic cephamycin antibiotic that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The drug is highly resistant to a broad spectrum of beta-lactamases and is active against a wide range of both aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.

mechanism of action

The bactericidal action of cefotetan results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis by binding and inhibiting the bacterial penicillin binding proteins which help in the cell wall biosynthesis.

biotransformation

No active metabolites of cefotetan have been detected; however, small amounts (less than 7%) of cefotetan in plasma and urine may be converted to its tautomer, which has antimicrobial activity similar to the parent drug.

half life

In volunteers with reduced renal function, the plasma half-life of cefotetan is prolonged

route of elimination

No active metabolites of cefotetan have been detected; however, small amounts (less than 7%) of cefotetan in plasma and urine may be converted to its tautomer, which has antimicrobial activity similar to the parent drug. In normal patients, from 51% to 81% of an administered dose of Cefotetan is excreted unchanged by the kidneys over a 24 hour period, which results in high and prolonged urinary concentrations.

drug interactions

Acenocoumarol: The cephalosporin, cefotetan, may increase the anticoagulant effect of acenocoumarol.

Amikacin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Anisindione: The cephalosporin, cefotetan, may increase the anticoagulant effect of anisindione.

Dicumarol: The cephalosporin, cefotetan, may increase the anticoagulant effect of dicumarol.

Gentamicin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Kanamycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Neomycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Netilmicin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Probenecid: Probenecid may increase the serum level of cefotetan.

Streptomycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Tobramycin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Warfarin: The cephalosporin, cefotetan, may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.