Ceftizoxime

Indications

Ceftizoxime was traditionally prescribed for managing infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to its effects. This indicates that it was effective against specific bacterial strains, providing a targeted approach to treating such infections.

Pharmacodynamics

Ceftizoxime demonstrates significant resistance to a wide array of beta-lactamases, making it potent against a diverse range of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. This resistance enhances its efficacy in treating infections and contributes to its safety profile, which is favorable for elderly patients and those with hematologic disorders.

Metabolism

Ceftizoxime remains unchanged in the body and is primarily excreted by the kidneys over a 24-hour period. This lack of metabolic transformation highlights its direct elimination pathway, which is an important consideration for dosing and efficacy.

Mechanism of Action

Ceftizoxime is an aminothiazolyl cephalosporin known for its broad-spectrum efficacy against numerous gram-negative pathogens commonly associated with nosocomial infections. It exhibits remarkable stability against beta-lactamase enzymes and demonstrates substantial in vitro activity against organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. As a beta-lactam antibiotic, ceftizoxime exerts its action by binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) within the bacterial cell wall. This interaction halts the third and final phase of cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis, which is facilitated by the autolytic enzymes within the bacterial cell. There is also a potential role of ceftizoxime in disrupting an autolysin inhibitor, further promoting bacterial cell wall degradation.