From the Research
Cefeperazone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that should be used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, with a typical adult dosage of 2 to 4 grams per day, divided into two equal doses administered every 12 hours, as supported by 1.
Key Points
- Cefeperazone has a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against most aerobic Gram-positive bacteria, except enterococci, most aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, including a majority of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, and some anaerobic bacteria 1.
- The long serum half-life of cefeperazone, approximately two hours, permits a twelve-hourly dosing schedule, with no dosage modification required in patients with renal insufficiency, and only minor modification needed in patients with hepatic insufficiency or biliary obstruction 1.
- Clinical trials have established cefeperazone's efficacy in lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections, with adverse reactions being infrequent and few serious reactions identified 1.
- Cefeperazone is particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other resistant Gram-negative bacteria due to its enhanced ability to penetrate the bacterial cell wall and resist beta-lactamase enzymes.
Dosage and Administration
- The typical adult dosage of cefeperazone ranges from 2 to 4 grams per day, divided into two equal doses administered every 12 hours.
- For severe infections, the dosage may be increased up to 6-12 grams daily.
- Cefeperazone is administered intravenously or intramuscularly and should be reconstituted according to manufacturer guidelines.
Monitoring and Precautions
- Patients should be monitored for side effects including gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and potential vitamin K deficiency which may affect blood clotting.
- Alcohol should be avoided during treatment and for 72 hours afterward due to potential disulfiram-like reactions. However, it's worth noting that more recent studies, such as 2, have investigated the efficacy of other antibiotics, like cefiderocol, against Gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but cefeperazone remains a viable option for treating serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, as supported by the available evidence 1.