cefotiam

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: cefotiam exerts antibacterial action by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. It targets and inhibits the activity of enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are responsible for building and maintaining the bacterial cell wall. This disruption weakens the cell wall, leading to the bacteria’s lysis (breaking apart), ultimately causing their death. 

Spectrum: cefotiam has a broad spectrum of activity against various bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This makes it effective against a wide range of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Some of the bacteria that cefotiam can target include: 

Gram-positive bacteria: 

• Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-susceptible strains) 
• Streptococcus pneumoniae 
• Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) 

Gram-negative bacteria: 

• Escherichia coli 
• Klebsiella pneumoniae 
• Haemophilus influenzae 
• Proteus mirabilis 
• Moraxella catarrhalis 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Epigastric distress 

Convulsions 

Diarrhea 

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Allergy to Cephalosporins: Patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics, including cefotiam, should not take this medication. Cross-reactivity between cephalosporins and other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins) may also occur, so caution is warranted in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillins. 

Anaphylactic Reactions: cefotiam should be avoided in patients who have experienced anaphylactic reactions or severe allergic reactions to any beta-lactam antibiotic.  

Renal Impairment: cefotiam is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Therefore, caution is required in patients with severe renal impairment, as the drug’s dosage may need adjustment to prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity. 

Gastrointestinal Disease: cefotiam may worsen or cause antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon) and pseudomembranous colitis (a severe form of antibiotic-associated colitis) caused by Clostridium difficile. If a patient has a history of gastrointestinal disease or colitis, cefotiam use should be carefully considered. 

Seizure Disorders: cefotiam may lower the seizure threshold, Elevating the likelihood of seizures in people with a prior history of epilepsy or seizure disorders. Caution should be exercised in such patients when prescribing this antibiotic. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The complete safety profile of cefotiam for pregnant and breastfeeding women remains uncertain. Therefore, it should be used cautiously and only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Healthcare providers should carefully evaluate the situation and consider alternative treatments when possible. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: B 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

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:  

cefotiam is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of bacteria. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

cefotiam exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It does this by binding to and inhibiting the activity of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), that are the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall As a result, bacterial cell wall synthesis is disrupted, leading to cell wall instability and eventual cell lysis, causing the death of the bacteria.   

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After administration, the prodrug form is converted to the active form (cefotiam). The drug is quickly absorbed in the bloodstream, reaching therapeutic concentrations relatively quickly. 

Distribution 

After absorption, cefotiam is distributed throughout the body. It can penetrate various tissues and body fluids, including the respiratory tract, skin, soft tissues, and bone. The drug has good tissue penetration, effectively targeting and treating infections at different sites. 

Metabolism 

cefotiam undergoes minimal metabolism in the body. It is primarily eliminated through renal excretion in its unchanged form. The liver’s contribution to cefotiam metabolism is relatively insignificant. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The primary route of excretion for cefotiam is via the kidneys. The drug is eliminated mainly through glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. A small portion may also be eliminated through bile into the feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Route of Administration: cefotiam is usually administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM).  

Intravenous Administration: When administered intravenously, cefotiam is commonly delivered by a qualified medical practitioner within a hospital or clinical environment. The drug will be diluted in a compatible solution and slowly infused into a vein over a specified period. 

Intramuscular Administration: The medication is injected directly into a muscle, such as the upper arm or thigh, for intramuscular administration. A healthcare professional will administer this injection. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: cefotiam 

Why do we use cefotiam?  

Respiratory tract infections: cefotiam is frequently recommended by healthcare professionals to address infections affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, including conditions like sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. 

Urinary tract infections: cefotiam can effectively treat bacterial infections of the urinary system, including bladder infections (cystitis) and kidney infections (pyelonephritis).  

Skin and soft tissue infections: cefotiam is an effective medication utilized in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections triggered by bacteria that are susceptible to its action. These infections encompass conditions like cellulitis and wound infections.  

Intra-abdominal infections: It is also used to treat infections in the abdominal area, including peritonitis and other intra-abdominal abscesses.  

Gynecological infections: cefotiam may be prescribed to treat infections of the female reproductive system, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).  

Bone and joint infections: cefotiam can be used to treat certain bone and joint infections caused by susceptible bacteria.  

Surgical prophylaxis: cefotiam is sometimes administered before surgery to prevent the occurrence of infections at the surgical site.