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Cephapirin Side Effects

Applies to cephapirin: injectable powder for injection.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, are unusual. There is approximately a 10% to 15% chance of allergic cross reactivity in patients who are allergic to penicillin.[Ref]

A case of occupational contact dermatitis due to cephalosporin allergy has been reported in a nurse who prepared cephalosporin solutions for administration to patients. The dermatitis resolved after the nurse stopped preparing the solutions.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic abnormalities have included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and eosinophilia. Drug discontinuation may be necessary depending on these changes and the condition of the patient.[Ref]

Because neutropenia is often accompanied by rash and fever, it is believed to be a result of a hypersensitivity reaction.[Ref]

Renal

Renal adverse effects include at least one case of acute interstitial nephritis that was attributed to cephapirin.[Ref]

One patient developed a rash after 15 days on cephapirin. On day 56 of therapy, the patient had an increase in serum creatinine to 9.3 mg/dL, an increase in blood urea nitrogen to 109 mg/dL, 2+ protein in the urine, and eosinophilia. Laboratory and physical findings suggested acute interstitial nephritis. After stopping cephapirin, the serum creatinine decreased to a pretreatment value of 1.4 mg/dL within nine months.[Ref]

Local

Local reactions include phlebitis in up to 50% of patients who receive the drug by intravenous administration. Intramuscular administration may result in pain and induration at the injection site, but does not usually require drug discontinuation.[Ref]

Phlebitis is more common when the drug is administered for longer than two days. Careful monitoring of the infusion site and regular rotation of infusion sites should significantly decrease the risk of phlebitis.[Ref]

Other

Women may experience an increased incidence of vaginal yeast infections while receiving cephapirin.[Ref]

References

1. Barnett AS, Hirshman CA (1979) "Anaphylactic reaction to cephapirin during spinal anesthesia." Anesth Analg, 58, p. 337-8

2. (2002) "Product Information. Cefadyl (cephapirin)." Apothecon Inc

3. Filipe P, Almeida RSLS, Rodrigo FG (1996) "Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cephalosporins." Contact Dermatitis, 34, p. 226

4. Natelson EA, Brown CH, 3d Bradshaw MW, Alfrey CP, Jr Williams TW, Jr (1976) "Influence of cephalosporin antibiotics on blood coagulation and platelet function." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 9, p. 91-3

5. Levison ME, Bran JL, Jepson JH, Kaye D (1972) "Neutropenia associated with cephapirin therapy." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1, p. 174-6

6. Pan CV, Quintela GA, Garcia JR, Millan I, Martin FM, Mir MM (1989) "Cephapirin-induced neutropenia." Chemotherapy, 35, p. 449-53

7. Lewis JA, Rindone JP (1987) "Acute interstitial nephritis associated with cephapirin." Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 21, p. 380-1

8. Moellering RC Jr, Swartz MN (1976) "The newer cephalosporins." N Engl J Med, 294, p. 24-8

9. Bodner SJ, Koenig MG (1972) "Clinical and in vitro evaluation of cephapirin: a new parenteral cephalosporin." Am J Med Sci, 263, p. 43-51

10. Sorrentino AP, Haughey EJ, JR, Cronin DW, Bohen LN (1976) "Phlebitis associated with the intravenous use of cephalothin and cephapirin." Am J Hosp Pharm, 33, p. 642-4

11. Siebert WT, Westerman EL, Smilack JD, Bradshaw MW, Williams TW, Jr (1976) "Comparison of thrombophlebitis associated with three cephalosporin antibiotics." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 10, p. 467-9

12. Cross AS, Tramont EC (1976) "Comparison of phlebitis produced by cephapirin and cephalothin." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 9, p. 722-4

13. Carrizosa J, Levison ME, Kaye D (1973) "Double-blind controlled comparison of phlebitis produced by cephapirin and cephalothin." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 3, p. 306-7

14. Wiesner P, MacGregor R, Bear D, Berman S, Holmes K, Turck M (1972) "Evaluation of a new cephalosporin antibiotic, cephapirin." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1, p. 303-9

Further information

Cephapirin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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