Adverse Reactions and Interactions with Newer Cephalosporin and Cephamycin Antibiotics

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In this review, adverse reactions and interactions associated with the use of the newer cephalosporins and cephamycins are surveyed; special emphasis is placed on those reactions specific for some of these newer agents, namely disulfiram-like reactions with alcohol, effects on prothrombin synthesis, and lower gastrointestinal tract reactions. It is apparent that cephalosporins with a 3-methylthiotetrazole side-chain in the cephem nucleus cause clinically significant side effects more frequently than those without such a moiety. While still having a high degree of safety, cephalosporins with this chemical structure clearly have a higher degree of toxicity than those without this side-chain.