cefodizime

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

cefodizime exerts its antibacterial effects by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacterial cell walls are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cell. cefodizime works through the following mechanism: 

• Inhibition of Peptidoglycan Synthesis: cefodizime binds to specific proteins known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. These PBPs are involved in the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which form the structural framework of the cell wall. 
• Disruption of Cell Wall Structure: The binding of cefodizime to PBPs disrupts the final stages of peptidoglycan synthesis. This disruption weakens the bacterial cell wall, making it susceptible to osmotic pressure. 
• Cell Lysis: Due to the weakened cell wall, the bacterial cell becomes more fragile and prone to bursting due to the internal osmotic pressure. This ultimately leads to cell lysis (rupture) and bacterial death. 

cefodizime has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including some beta-lactamase-producing strains. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Vomiting 

Hypersensitivity reactions 

CNS toxicity 

Hepatic dysfunction 

Pain at the injection site  

Nausea 

Diarrhoea 

Nephrotoxicity 

Pseudomembranous colitis 

Haematologic disorders 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

Hypersensitivity reactions 

Caution: 

• Hypersensitivity and Allergies: While cefodizime is generally well-tolerated, patients should be monitored for signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions during treatment. This includes symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Patients with a history of severe allergies to antibiotics, especially cephalosporins or penicillins, should be closely monitored, and cefodizime should be considered cautiously. 
• Renal Function: cefodizime is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. In patients with impaired renal function, dosage adjustments may be necessary to prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity.  
• Pediatric and Geriatric Populations: Dosing considerations may be necessary for pediatric and geriatric patients. Children and elderly individuals may require adjusted dosages, and their renal function should be carefully evaluated to ensure appropriate dosing. 
• Superinfections: The prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics like cefodizime can lead to the growth of bacteria that are not susceptible to the antibiotic (superinfection). If a new infection develops during or after treatment, healthcare providers should evaluate the need for alternative therapies. 
• Seizure Risk: cephalosporin antibiotics, including cefodizime, can lower the seizure threshold. Patients with a history of seizures or other conditions that lower the seizure threshold should be closely monitored during treatment. Treatment should be discontinued if seizures occur, and appropriate anticonvulsant therapy should be initiated. 

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: 

cefodizime exerts its antibacterial effects by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacterial cell walls are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cell. Like other cephalosporin antibiotics, cefodizime achieves its bactericidal action by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. This binding interferes with the enzymes responsible for cross-linking the peptidoglycan chains in the cell wall. Disruption of the peptidoglycan cross-linking process weakens the cell wall, making it more susceptible to osmotic pressure. This eventually leads to cell lysis (rupture) and bacterial death. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

• Bactericidal action: cefodizime is a bactericidal antibiotic that kills susceptible bacteria rather than simply inhibits their growth. 
• Inhibition of Cell Wall Synthesis: The primary mechanism of action of cefodizime, like other cephalosporin antibiotics, is the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. The bacterial cell wall is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cell. cefodizime achieves this by binding to specific proteins called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. This binding disrupts the final stages of peptidoglycan synthesis. 
• Weakening of the Cell Wall: The binding of cefodizime to PBPs disrupts the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains in the bacterial cell wall. This disruption weakens the cell wall, making it more susceptible to osmotic pressure. 
• Cell Lysis and Bacterial Death: Due to the weakened cell wall, the bacterial cell becomes more fragile and susceptible to bursting due to the internal osmotic pressure. This eventually leads to cell lysis (rupture) and bacterial death. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

cefodizime is administered parenterally through intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection. When administered through these routes, it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, and its absorption is nearly complete and rapid. It exhibits high bioavailability when administered via parenteral routes because it is directly introduced into the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

cefodizime is widely distributed throughout the body, allowing it to reach various tissues and fluids. This extensive distribution contributes to its ability to treat infections at different anatomical sites. While cefodizime can penetrate various tissues, it has limited penetration across the blood-brain barrier. It may reach therapeutic levels in the cerebrospinal fluid under certain conditions. 

Metabolism 

cefodizime undergoes minimal metabolism in the body. It is primarily excreted unchanged, which is typical for most cephalosporin antibiotics. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The primary route of excretion for cefodizime is renal (through the kidneys). The drug is primarily eliminated unchanged in the urine. The terminal elimination half-life of cefodizime is relatively short, approximately 4 hours. It is mainly excreted in its unchanged form through the kidneys.

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Intramuscular/Intravenous administration 

cefodizime is often administered as an intravenous infusion over a specified period, typically 30 minutes to one hour. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: cefodizime 

Why do we use cefodizime? 

cefodizime 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 cefodizime: 

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

Pneumonia: Caused by susceptible bacteria. 

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

Sinusitis: Caused by susceptible bacteria. 

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

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: cefodizime can treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This may include cellulitis, impetigo, and skin abscesses. 
• Urinary Tract Infections: cefodizime may be prescribed for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis) caused by susceptible bacteria. 
• Gonorrhea: cefodizime can treat uncomplicated urogenital and rectal gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 
• Intra-abdominal Infections: In some cases, cefodizime may be considered part of the treatment for intra-abdominal infections, often combined with other antibiotics.