From the FDA Drug Label
Ceftriaxone for Injection is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible organisms: LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis or Serratia marcescens Cefepime for injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms: Pneumonia (moderate to severe) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including cases associated with concurrent bacteremia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiellapneumoniae, or Enterobacter species. Teflaro is a cephalosporin antibacterial indicated in adult and pediatric patients for the treatment of the following infection caused by designated susceptible bacteria: Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adult and pediatric patients 2 months of age and older
The best cephalosporin for treating pneumonia is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels. Each of the mentioned cephalosporins (Ceftriaxone, Cefepime, and Ceftaroline) has been indicated for the treatment of pneumonia, but the labels do not provide a direct comparison of their effectiveness for this specific condition 1, 2, 3.
- Key considerations for choosing a cephalosporin include:
- The causative organism of the pneumonia
- The severity of the infection
- The patient's age and other health factors
- Local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for pneumonia based on individual patient needs and current medical guidelines.
From the Research
Ceftaroline fosamil is the most effective cephalosporin for treating community-acquired pneumonia, particularly against drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, due to its broad-spectrum activity and high affinity for penicillin-binding proteins [(4,5,6)].
Key Considerations
- Ceftaroline fosamil has been shown to be noninferior to ceftriaxone in clinical trials, with a clinical cure rate of community-acquired pneumonia that is comparable to ceftriaxone 4.
- It exhibits time-dependent bactericidal activity against numerous Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae [(4,7)].
- Ceftaroline fosamil is generally well-tolerated, with a favorable safety profile [(5,8)].
Treatment Recommendations
- The typical adult dose of ceftaroline fosamil is 600 mg IV every 12 hours [(5,8)].
- For hospitalized patients, ceftaroline fosamil may be used as monotherapy or in combination with a macrolide or respiratory fluoroquinolone to cover atypical pathogens [(4,8)].
- Treatment should be narrowed based on culture results when available, and patients should be transitioned to oral therapy when clinically improving with normal vital signs and able to tolerate oral medications [(4,8)].
Special Considerations
- Patients with penicillin allergies should be assessed for cross-reactivity risk [(4,8)].
- Ceftaroline fosamil is not effective against Pseudomonas spp. or Gram-negative organisms that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases or carbapenemases [(4,7)].