Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations

 

---

 

• A 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotic (similar to ceftriaxone)
• Bactericidal
• Injectable form only available. Can give IV or IM.
• Crosses blood brain barrier ONLY if meninges inflamed.
• High risk of Clostridium difficile antibiotic-associated diarrhoea if prescribed for elderly inpatients.
• Not to be used in patients with a serious penicillin allergy (e.g. anaphylaxis).

Main indications:

• Only used for neonates – see Neonatal specialist guidelines
• Ceftriaxone is the preferred 3rd generation cephalosporin for adults

Active against most strains of:

• Staphylococcus aureus (NOT MRSA)
• Streptococci
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella sp
• Proteus sp
• Enterobacter sp
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Neisseria gonorrhoea

Not active against most strains of:

• MRSA
• Enterococcus
• Bacteroides
• Pseudomonas
• Listeria monocytogenes