Drug reference
Ceftaroline fosamil
Cephalosporin · Antibiotic
CephalosporinAntibiotic
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
B
FDA category + note
Mechanism
Ceftaroline fosamil, a cephalosporin antibiotic, exhibits pharmacology similar to penicillins, acting as a beta-lactam to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. It specifically targets penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are enzymes crucial for the transpeptidation step in peptidoglycan cross-linking. This interference compromises the structural integrity of the bacterial cell wall, leading to osmotic instability and subsequent cell lysis.
Indications
Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection (ABSSSI)Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP)
Dosing
- Adult
- 600 mg IV Q8-12 hr
- Pediatric
- Infant <2 months (ABSSSI indication only): 6 mg/kg/dose IV Q8 hr; 2 months to <2 years: 8 mg/kg/dose IV Q8 hr; 2 years to <18 years and ≤33 kg: 12 mg/kg/dose IV Q8 hr; 2 years to <18 years and >33 kg: 400 mg IV Q8 hr or 600 mg IV Q12 hr; Child ≥6 years and adolescent (Cystic fibrosis): 15 mg/kg/dose IV Q8 hr infused over 2 hr
- Renal adjustment
- 100% of normal dose if creatinine clearance >30 mL/min. 50% of normal dose if creatinine clearance approximately 10 mL/min.
- Max dose
- 600 mg/dose (pediatric cystic fibrosis)
Contraindications
- Immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin
Side effects
Common
DiarrheaRashVomitingPyrexiaNauseaLeukopeniaLiver enzyme elevations
Serious
- Hypersensitivity
- Direct Coombs test seroconversion
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
B
Related guidelines
Community-acquired pneumonia
ICMR · Pulmonology · 2022
Community-acquired pneumonia
IDSA · Pulmonology · 2019
Skin and soft tissue infections
IDSA · Infectious Diseases · 2010
Childhood pneumonia and respiratory infection
MOHFW · Paediatrics · 2021
Hepatitis B — chronic infection
EASL · Gastroenterology · 2025
Other Cephalosporin drugs
Ask House about Ceftaroline fosamil
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: Katzung, BNF, Harriet Lane·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team