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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

Other Cephalosporin drugs

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Sources: Katzung, BNF, Harriet Lane·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team