indication

For the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms.

pharmacology

Cefmetazole is a second-generation cephalosporin. The cephalosporins are bactericidal drugs with both gram-positive and gram-negative activity. They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis in a way similar to the penicillins. Cefmetazole is more active than 1st-generation cephalosporins against indole-positive Proteus, Serratia, anaerobic gram-negative bacilli (including B. fragilis), and some E. coli, Klebsiella, and P. mirabilis, but is less active than cefoxitin or cefotetan against most gram-negative bacilli.

mechanism of action

The bactericidal activity of cefmetazole results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis via affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).

toxicity

Oral LD₅₀ in rats is 3,204 mg/kg. With other b-lactam antibiotics, adverse effects following overdosage have included nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and convulsions.

biotransformation

No appreciable metabolism.

absorption

Bioavailability is approximately 100% following intramuscular injection.

half life

1.50 ±0.14 hours