| Common Brands | Teflaro |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Cephalosporin antibiotic |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
No Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Ceftaroline is a fifth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, used in the treatment of several types of bacterial infections, such as complicated skin and soft tissue infections and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Among cephalosporins, ceftaroline stands out because of its high potency against specific multidrug-resistant pathogens, including MRSA, an organism notoriously resistant to most other antibiotics. Its capacity to treat both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria makes ceftaroline a powerful option in combating difficult-to-treat infections.
Ceftaroline is usually administered intravenously in a hospital setting or for outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). It has become an important tool for clinicians in treating severe infections that may not respond to older antibiotics.
Ceftaroline is intravenous in its route of administration and its dose and course will depend on the etiology and severity of infection being treated as well as the general condition of the patient.
For adults: For adults, the usual dosage is 600 mg of Ceftaroline intravenously administered every 12 hours. The duration of treatment will depend on the infection; however, most treatments usually range from 5 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the condition.
For pediatric patients: For pediatric patients aged more than or equal to 2 months, Ceftaroline could be administered. Dosages are determined with regards to the weight and the disease severity of a child.
Ceftaroline infusion is administered to the patients through the vein with an action time of approximately 2 hours. Dosage intensity, along with frequency of the doses, must always be provided by the physician or any prescribing healthcare giver.
Ceftaroline works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Like all cephalosporins, it targets penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are essential for the formation of the bacterial cell wall. By binding to these proteins, Ceftaroline prevents bacteria from building their protective cell walls, causing them to break apart and die.
What makes Ceftaroline different from other cephalosporins is its increased activity against MRSA. This is due to its specific binding affinity for the altered PBP2a protein in MRSA. The PBP2a protein is associated with the bacteria’s resistance to methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics. Because of its ability to bind to this protein and interfere with cell wall synthesis, Ceftaroline is an effective option for treating MRSA, which has become a pathogen that is increasingly resistant to traditional antibiotics.
While Ceftaroline is generally well tolerated, it can cause side effects, including:
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common side effects. These are generally mild and may resolve on their own after a few days of treatment.
Hypersensitivity reactions: Some patients may develop allergic conditions, such as rashes, itching, or may be more severe, even anaphylaxis. Patients with a history of allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins should exercise careful use of Ceftaroline.
Hematologic effects: Infrequently, Ceftaroline affects blood cell counts, either leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. Blood work may be monitored during lengthy treatment.
Liver enzyme abnormalities: Ceftaroline may cause liver enzyme elevations, indicating possible liver dysfunction. Liver function tests may be performed during treatment, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: Like other antibiotics, Ceftaroline may alter the normal balance of gut bacteria, increasing the risk of Clostridium difficile infection, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis.
Allergic reactions: Patients who are already known allergic to cephalosporins or penicillins should exercise caution as cross-reactivity may be expected. There is an infrequent incidence of more severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis.
Renal impairment: Dosage adjustments will be needed in patients who suffer renal impairment. Monitoring of the kidney functions will be mandatory, particularly in patients who are suffering from pre-existing kidney diseases.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Ceftaroline is classified as a pregnancy category B drug, indicating that it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, but should only be used when necessary. It is also excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised for nursing mothers.
Superinfection: Prolonged use of Ceftaroline, or any antibiotic, can lead to the development of superinfections caused by resistant bacteria or fungi. If new infections develop during treatment, the healthcare provider may need to adjust the treatment regimen.
Ceftaroline can interact with other drugs to either reduce its efficacy or increase the risk of adverse effects. Some important drug interactions include:
Probenecid: This is a medication for treating gout. Probenecid inhibits the renal excretion of Ceftaroline, thereby increasing the blood level of the antibiotic. In such cases, the blood level of Ceftaroline may increase significantly in the body, potentially causing increased side effects.
Other antibacterial agents: Ceftaroline is often used with another antibiotic to provide greater antibacterial coverage. The important point is to note when the other antibiotics would present possible interactions that can potentially influence bacterial resistance and therefore affect the efficacy.
Live vaccines: There is no direct contraindication between Ceftaroline and vaccines, but patients treated with antibiotics may have attenuated responses to live vaccines due to the effects of the antibiotic on the immune system. It is preferable to avoid vaccination with live vaccines during antibiotic treatment unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider.
The usual adult dose of Ceftaroline is 600 mg, administered intravenously every 12 hours. The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection being treated but typically ranges from 5 to 14 days. For pediatric patients, the dosage is based on weight and infection severity, and the healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage.
Ceftaroline is a prescription-only drug, meaning that only a healthcare provider can prescribe it. It is mainly reserved for serious infections, especially those caused by resistant organisms such as MRSA. Because it is an intravenous drug, it is usually administered in the hospital or clinical setting and, therefore, not as good for outpatient use without appropriate follow-up care.
Ceftaroline is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections like community-acquired pneumonia and complicated skin infections.
It’s a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria by disrupting their cell wall synthesis.
Yes, Ceftaroline is one of the few cephalosporins effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Ceftaroline is given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) in a hospital or clinical setting.
It treats acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).
No, Ceftaroline is only available as an injectable formulation.
Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, and possible injection site reactions.
Yes, patients allergic to cephalosporins or penicillins may have reactions ranging from rash to anaphylaxis.
Its safety and effectiveness in children under 18 have not been fully established; use is typically limited to adults.
It is sometimes used off-label for serious MRSA infections, but this should be guided by a specialist.
There are few known major interactions but always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you use.
Treatment usually lasts 5 to 14 days depending on the infection severity and doctor’s recommendation.
No, always complete the full prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance and infection relapse.
Yes, dosage may need adjustment for patients with renal impairment; dosing should be guided by a physician.
Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider, as safety data is limited.
Contact your healthcare provider; since it’s injectable, doses are usually administered in a clinical setting.
Improper use can contribute to resistance; always use under medical supervision and finish the prescribed course.
It has a broader spectrum, including activity against MRSA, which many other cephalosporins do not cover.
Like other antibiotics, it can disrupt gut flora and potentially lead to C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Ceftaroline should be stored refrigerated before reconstitution and used according to stability instructions post-preparation.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a widespread chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the head, scalp, and upper trunk, which are areas rich in sebaceous glands. Despite not being a fatal illness, the chronic nature of the disorder and its frequent flare-ups can greatly lower the person’s standard of life. The goal of this thorough investigation
For a considerable time, both scientists and medical experts have been fascinated by the connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The gut-brain axis is a concept that has emerged from emerging research that highlights the deep relationship between both of these seemingly different organs. We will explore the elements, functions, and consequences associated
Food intolerances are becoming more widely acknowledged as serious health issues impacting people all over the world. In contrast to food allergies, which are immune system-related, food intolerances usually refer to the body’s incapacity to properly digest specific substances or dietary ingredients. This thorough review explores several kinds of food intolerances, such as fructose malabsorption,
