Cefmetazole


Cefmetazole is a cephamycin antibiotic, usually grouped with the second-generation cephalosporins.

Adverse effects

The chemical structure of cefmetazole, like that of several other cephalosporins, contains an N-methylthiotetrazole side chain. As the antibiotic is broken down in the body, it releases free NMTT, which can cause hypoprothrombinemia and a reaction with ethanol similar to that produced by disulfiram, due to inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Spectrum of bacterial susceptibility

Cefmetazole is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antimicrobial and has been effective in treating bacteria responsible for causing urinary tract and skin infections. The following represents MIC susceptibility data for a few medically significant microorganisms.