cefotetan

Cefotetan is a semisynthetic cephamycin antibiotic that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The drug is highly resistant to a broad spectrum of beta-lactamases and is active against a wide range of both aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. It is FDA approved for the treatment of urinary tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, skin and skin structure infections, gynecologic infection, intra-abdominal infection, and bone and joint infection; and for prophylaxis of postoperative infection. The bactericidal action of cefotetan results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. The methoxy group in the 7-alpha position provides cefotetan with a high degree of stability in the presence of beta-lactamases including both penicillinases and cephalosporinase of gram-negative bacteria. Common adverse reactions include diarrhea and nausea. As with other cephalosporins, high concentrations of cefotetan may interfere with measurement of serum and urine creatinine levels. — NCATS