cefetamet

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• cefetamet exerts its anti-bacterial effects by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacterial cell walls are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cell. cefetamet works by binding to specific proteins called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. This binding disrupts the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which are the building blocks of the cell wall. As a result, the bacterial cell wall becomes weakened and unable to withstand internal osmotic pressure, leading to cell lysis (bursting) and bacterial death. 
• cefetamet has a broad spectrum of activity against various bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.  cefetamet is effective against many Gram-positive bacteria, including: 
• Streptococcus species (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes) 

Staphylococcus aureus (including some methicillin-sensitive strains) 

cefetamet is active against some Gram-negative bacteria, such as: 

• Haemophilus influenzae 
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae 
• Escherichia coli 
• Klebsiella pneumoniae 

cefetamet also has activity against some anaerobic bacteria, including: 

• Bacteroides species 
• Clostridium species 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Stomach pain 

Heartburn 

Nausea and vomiting 

Dizziness 

Indigestion 

Diarrhea 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity or Allergy to cephalosporins: Patients with a history of hypersensitivity or severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to cephalosporin antibiotics should not use cefetamet. Cross-reactivity between cephalosporins and penicillins can also occur in some individuals with penicillin allergies, so caution is advised. 
• Previous Severe Allergic Reaction to cefetamet: If a patient has experienced a severe allergic reaction to cefetamet in the past, it should be contraindicated for future use. 
• History of Serious Gastrointestinal Disease: cefetamet may exacerbate certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as colitis. Therefore, it should be avoided in patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis or pseudomembranous colitis, which may be associated with Clostridium difficile infection. 
• Renal Impairment: cefetamet is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys. In patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the dose of cefetamet may need to be adjusted, and caution is advised. 
• History of Seizures: cefetamet can lower the seizure threshold, so it should be used cautiously in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy. 
• Neonates: cefetamet is generally not recommended for neonates due to immature renal function, which may lead to reduced drug clearance and an increased risk of side effects. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

• Inhibition of Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis: cefetamet exerts its anti-bacterial effects by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacterial cell walls are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cell. cefetamet achieves this by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. 
• Disruption of Peptidoglycan Cross-Linking: Binding to PBPs disrupts the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which are the building blocks of the cell wall. This disruption weakens the cell wall, making it susceptible to osmotic pressure, ultimately leading to cell lysis (bursting) and bacterial death. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

cefetamet’s pharmacodynamics involve its ability to disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. It is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, and its killing activity is time-dependent. Resistance to cefetamet can occur due to various mechanisms, including the production of beta-lactamases. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

cefetamet is typically administered orally in the form of tablets or suspensions. It is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral ingestion. It is rapidly absorbed and undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis in the gut to convert it into the active form, cefetamet. It can be taken with or without food. Food may slightly delay the absorption of the drug but does not significantly affect its overall bioavailability. 

Distribution 

cefetamet is distributed widely throughout the body, including various tissues and fluids. It can penetrate respiratory tract secretions, skin, bone, and urine.It has limited penetration across the blood-brain barrier. It may reach therapeutic levels in the cerebrospinal fluid in the presence of inflammation or compromised blood-brain barrier integrity. 

Metabolism 

cefetamet undergoes minimal metabolism in the liver. It is primarily excreted in its unchanged form. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The primary route of excretion for cefetamet is renal (through the kidneys). The drug is eliminated from the body primarily through urinary excretion. The kidneys actively excrete it through glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment to prevent drug accumulation.

The half-life of cefetamet can vary among individuals but is generally in the range of 1 to 2 hours in individuals with normal renal function. It is eliminated primarily as an unchanged drug in the urine. Approximately 90% or more of the administered dose is excreted in the urine within 24 hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Oral administration 

cefetamet can be taken with or without food. While food may slightly delay the absorption of the drug, it does not significantly affect its overall bioavailability. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: cefetamet 

Why do we use cefetamet? 

cefetamet is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and is effective against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Here are some common uses of cefetamet: 

• Respiratory Tract Infections: cefetamet may be prescribed for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, including: 

Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). 

Sinusitis: Caused by susceptible bacteria. 

Bronchitis: In some cases, when a bacterial infection is suspected. 

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: cefetamet can treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This may include cellulitis, impetigo, and skin abscesses. 
• Urinary Tract Infections: cefetamet may be prescribed for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis) caused by susceptible bacteria. 
• Gonorrhea: cefetamet can treat uncomplicated urogenital and rectal gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 
• Ear Infections: In some cases, cefetamet may be used to treat ear infections, particularly when the infection is suspected to be caused by bacteria.