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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Cefotetan
Generic Name
Cefotetan
Active Ingredient
CefotetanCategory
Cephalosporin Antibacterial [EPC]
Salt Form
Disodium
Variants
2
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Cefotetan, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Detailed information about Cefotetan
Cefotetan is a second-generation cephamycin antibiotic, closely related to cephalosporins, used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections and for surgical prophylaxis. It is known for its anaerobic coverage and specific interactions with alcohol and blood clotting.
The dosage of Cefotetan is determined by the severity of the infection, the susceptibility of the causative organism, and the patient's overall health status.
Cefotetan is used in pediatric patients, though safety and efficacy data are more robust for adults.
Because Cefotetan is primarily cleared by the kidneys, dosage adjustments are mandatory for patients with impaired renal function to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity.
No specific dosage adjustments are generally required for patients with isolated hepatic impairment, as the drug is not significantly metabolized by the liver. However, these patients should be monitored closely for any signs of coagulopathy (bleeding issues).
Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function. Dosing should be cautious, typically starting at the lower end of the dosing range, and renal function should be monitored throughout therapy.
Cefotetan is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
In a hospital setting, doses are scheduled by nursing staff. If you believe a dose has been missed, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Maintaining a consistent level of the antibiotic in the bloodstream is vital for clearing the infection.
Symptoms of a Cefotetan overdose may include neuromuscular excitability and seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment who have not had their dose adjusted. In the event of an overdose, treatment is supportive. Hemodialysis may be effective in removing Cefotetan from the blood.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not attempt to self-administer this medication unless specifically trained and authorized by a doctor.
Most patients tolerate Cefotetan well, but like all antibiotics, it can cause side effects. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include:
Before starting Cefotetan, patients must disclose their full medical history, especially any previous reactions to antibiotics. Cefotetan is a potent antimicrobial that requires careful monitoring, particularly regarding blood clotting and immune responses.
No FDA black box warnings for Cefotetan. However, the risk of hemolytic anemia is considered a major clinical warning that carries similar weight in practice.
While there are few absolute contraindications for combinations, the following is highly restricted:
Cefotetan must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Cefotetan is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B. This means that animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Cefotetan is excreted in human milk in very low concentrations.
Cefotetan is a bactericidal antibiotic that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It specifically targets penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall. By binding to these proteins, Cefotetan prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which are the structural backbone of the cell wall. This inhibition leads to cell wall instability, osmotic lysis, and death of the bacterium. Its cephamycin structure (7-alpha-methoxy group) provides high resistance to many Gram-negative beta-lactamases, including those produced by Bacteroides species.
The efficacy of Cefotetan is primarily "time-dependent." This means that the clinical outcome is best predicted by the amount of time that the concentration of the drug in the blood remains above the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the target bacteria (T > MIC). Unlike some other antibiotics, increasing the dose far beyond the MIC does not necessarily increase the speed of killing. Therefore, maintaining the dosing schedule (e.g., every 12 hours) is more important than the peak concentration achieved.
Common questions about Cefotetan
Cefotetan is a potent antibiotic used primarily to treat serious bacterial infections such as intra-abdominal infections, skin infections, and gynecological infections like pelvic inflammatory disease. It is also a standard choice for surgical prophylaxis, meaning it is given before surgery to prevent post-operative infections. Because it belongs to the cephamycin group, it is particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria that live in environments without oxygen, such as the gut or the female reproductive tract. Your doctor will typically prescribe it for infections suspected to be caused by a mix of different bacterial types. It is only available as an injection and is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting.
The most common side effects of Cefotetan include gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea, which occurs in up to 10% of patients. Some people may also experience nausea or mild stomach cramps during the infusion. Another frequent issue is localized reaction at the injection site, which can include pain, redness, or swelling in the vein used for the IV. Laboratory changes, such as an increase in certain white blood cells (eosinophilia) or platelets, are also common but usually don't cause symptoms. Most of these side effects are mild and resolve once the treatment course is completed. However, any severe or persistent diarrhea should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately to rule out more serious complications.
No, you must strictly avoid alcohol while being treated with Cefotetan and for at least 72 hours (3 days) after your last dose. Cefotetan contains a specific chemical structure called an NMTT side chain that interferes with the body's ability to break down alcohol. This leads to a 'disulfiram-like reaction,' which can cause severe symptoms including intense flushing, throbbing headache, vomiting, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. Even small amounts of alcohol, such as those found in some cough medicines or mouthwashes, can trigger this reaction. It is essential to check the labels of all over-the-counter products for alcohol content during this time. Always wait the full 72 hours after your final injection before consuming any alcoholic beverages.
Cefotetan is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when there is a clear medical need, as it is classified by the FDA as Category B. Animal studies have not shown evidence of harm to the developing fetus, although there are no large-scale, definitive studies in pregnant women. It is very commonly used during cesarean sections to prevent infection, where it is typically administered after the baby's umbilical cord has been clamped. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will weigh the severity of your infection against the potential risks before prescribing this medication. Always inform your healthcare provider about your pregnancy status before starting any antibiotic therapy. They will ensure the safest possible treatment for both you and your baby.
Cefotetan begins working against bacteria almost immediately after it is injected into the bloodstream or muscle. However, most patients do not feel a significant improvement in their physical symptoms for 24 to 48 hours. The time it takes to feel better depends on the severity of the infection and the specific part of the body being treated. For example, a fever might start to subside within the first day, while skin redness or pain might take several days to noticeably decrease. It is critical to complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel completely better after just a few doses. This ensures that all the bacteria are eradicated and prevents the infection from returning or becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Because Cefotetan is administered by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting, the decision to stop the medication is usually made by your doctor. You should not request to stop the treatment early just because your symptoms have improved. Stopping an antibiotic prematurely can allow the strongest bacteria to survive and multiply, leading to a relapse of the infection that may be harder to treat. In some cases, stopping early can contribute to the global problem of antibiotic resistance. If you are experiencing bothersome side effects, discuss them with your healthcare provider rather than stopping the drug. They can determine if the side effects are serious enough to warrant switching to a different antibiotic.
In most cases, Cefotetan is administered by nurses or doctors in a hospital, so the risk of a missed dose is low. However, if you are receiving Cefotetan through an outpatient infusion center or home health service and you miss a scheduled appointment, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will provide instructions on when to receive the next dose and how to adjust the remaining schedule. Do not double the next dose to catch up, as this can increase the risk of side effects like seizures or bleeding. Keeping the level of the drug steady in your blood is the most important factor for successfully treating the infection. Your medical team will work to get you back on schedule as quickly as possible.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Cefotetan causes weight gain. Unlike some medications like steroids or certain antidepressants, antibiotics like Cefotetan are usually used for short durations and do not affect the body's metabolism or appetite in a way that leads to fat accumulation. If you notice swelling or a sudden increase in weight while taking Cefotetan, it is more likely related to fluid retention or the infection itself rather than the drug. In rare cases, fluid retention could be a sign of kidney or heart issues, so any sudden weight changes should be reported to your doctor. Most patients find that their weight remains stable or may even decrease slightly during a severe infection due to reduced appetite.
Cefotetan can interact with several other medications, so it is vital to provide your doctor with a full list of everything you are taking. It has a significant interaction with blood thinners like warfarin, as Cefotetan can increase the risk of bleeding. It also interacts with alcohol, as mentioned, and may increase the risk of kidney damage if taken with other nephrotoxic drugs like aminoglycosides. Some lab tests, such as those for urine sugar or blood cross-matching, can also be affected by Cefotetan, leading to false results. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood work closely if you are taking interacting medications. Always consult your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new medications while you are on Cefotetan therapy.
Yes, Cefotetan is available as a generic medication, which is typically referred to by its active ingredient name, Cefotetan Disodium. The brand name version, Cefotan, was the original formulation, but generic versions are now widely used in hospitals and are considered therapeutically equivalent. Generic medications must meet the same strict FDA standards for safety, strength, and quality as the brand-name drug. Using the generic version can help reduce the overall cost of treatment for patients and healthcare systems. Regardless of whether you receive the brand or the generic, the clinical effects and the precautions you must take (such as avoiding alcohol) remain exactly the same. Your hospital pharmacy will provide the version that is currently in their formulary.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Cefotetan)
> Warning: Stop taking Cefotetan and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Cefotetan is generally used for short-term acute infections or surgical prophylaxis. Prolonged use (longer than 10-14 days) increases the risk of:
There are currently no FDA black box warnings for Cefotetan. However, the FDA has issued strong warnings regarding Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. Healthcare providers are advised to monitor hematocrit and hemoglobin levels during and after therapy. If anemia develops, Cefotetan must be discontinued immediately, and the patient may require blood transfusions.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Patients receiving Cefotetan, especially for more than a few days, may require the following tests:
Cefotetan generally does not interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if a patient experiences dizziness or seizures (rare), they should avoid these activities and consult their doctor.
CRITICAL: Patients must avoid alcohol while taking Cefotetan and for at least 72 hours (3 days) after the final dose. Cefotetan causes a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol. This occurs because the drug inhibits the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood. Symptoms include severe flushing, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
Cefotetan should be continued for the full duration prescribed by the physician, even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication early can lead to the return of the infection and the development of antibiotic resistance. There is no withdrawal syndrome associated with Cefotetan, but the clinical infection must be fully eradicated.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, including any history of kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Cefotetan.
There are no significant interactions between Cefotetan and specific foods (unlike some oral antibiotics that cannot be taken with dairy). However, the prohibition of alcohol remains the most critical dietary restriction.
Cefotetan can cause false results in several common laboratory tests:
For each major interaction, the mechanism typically involves either competitive inhibition of enzymes (like aldehyde dehydrogenase) or interference with the physiological recycling of Vitamin K. Management strategies usually involve dose adjustment, increased monitoring, or temporary discontinuation of the interacting substance.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including those purchased without a prescription.
As a member of the beta-lactam family, Cefotetan carries a risk of cross-sensitivity with:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any previous drug rashes or breathing difficulties, before prescribing Cefotetan.
Cefotetan is approved for use in pediatric patients.
Clinical studies of Cefotetan did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine if they respond differently than younger subjects.
In patients with a Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) of less than 30 mL/min, the half-life of Cefotetan is significantly prolonged.
While Cefotetan is not primarily metabolized by the liver, patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) often have associated coagulation problems. These patients require frequent monitoring of the prothrombin time (PT) while receiving Cefotetan.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 100% (IM/IV) |
| Protein Binding | 88% |
| Half-life | 3.0 to 4.6 hours |
| Tmax (IM) | 1.5 to 3.0 hours |
| Metabolism | Minimal (<1%) |
| Excretion | Renal 51-81%, Fecal/Biliary 20% |
Cefotetan is classified as a second-generation cephalosporin, specifically within the cephamycin subgroup. It is related to other second-generation agents like cefoxitin and cefuroxime. Compared to first-generation cephalosporins (like cefazolin), Cefotetan has significantly better activity against Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes.