Therapeutic Classification: anti-infectives
Pharmacologic Classification: third generation cephalosporins
REMS
Spectrum:
Absorption: Cefotaxime,ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone are well absorbed after IM administration. Cefixime 4050% absorbed after oral administration (oral suspension); cefdinir 1625% absorbed after oral administration. Cefpodoxime proxetil is a prodrug that is converted to its active component in GI tract during absorption (50% absorbed).
Distribution: Widely distributed. CSF penetration better than with first- and second-generation agents.
Protein Binding: Ceftriaxone≥90%.
Half-Life: Cefdinir: 1.7 hr; cefixime: 34 hr; cefotaxime: 11.5 hr; cefpodoxime: 23 hr; ceftazidime: 2 hr; ceftriaxone: 69 hr (all except ceftriaxone are ↑ in renal impairment).
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cefdinir PO | rapid | 24 hr | 1224 hr |
| Cefixime PO | rapid | 26 hr | 24 hr |
| Cefotaxime IM | rapid | 0.5 hr | 412 hr |
| Cefotaxime IV | rapid | end of infusion | 412 hr |
| Cefpodoxime PO | unknown | 23 hr | 12 hr |
| Ceftazidime IM | rapid | 1 hr | 612 hr |
| Ceftazidime IV | rapid | end of infusion | 612 hr |
| Ceftriaxone IM | rapid | 12 hr | 1224 hr |
| Ceftriaxone IV | rapid | end of infusion | 1224 hr |
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
Derm: rash, STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS), urticaria
GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cholelithiasis (ceftriaxone), CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE ASSOCIATED DIARRHEA (CDAD), cramps, pancreatitis (ceftriaxone)
GU: acute renal failure (ceftriaxone), hematuria, urolithiasis (ceftriaxone), vaginal moniliasis
Hemat: agranulocytosis, bleeding, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, lymphocytosis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis
Local: pain at IM site, phlebitis at IV site
Neuro: encephalopathy, headache, SEIZURES (HIGH DOSES)
Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND SERUM SICKNESS), superinfection
Drug-drug:
Cefdinir
Renal Impairment
Renal Impairment
Cefixime
Renal Impairment
Cefotaxime
Renal Impairment
Cefpodoxime
Renal Impairment
Ceftazidime
Renal Impairment
Ceftriaxone
Hepatic/Renal Impairment
Cefdinir
(Generic available)Cefixime
(Generic available)Cefotaxime
(Generic available)Cefpodoxime
(Generic available)Ceftazidime
(Generic available)Ceftriaxone
(Generic available)Lab Test Considerations:
IV Administration:
Cefotaxime
Ceftazidime
Ceftriaxone