Other Brands/Names

Dofacef.

How It Works

Cefamandole is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by eliminating bacteria that cause infections.

Indications

• Lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, caused by bacteria like S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Klebsiella spp., S. aureus (both penicillinase-producing and non-penicillinase-producing), beta-hemolytic streptococci, and P. mirabilis.

• Urinary tract infections caused by E. coli, Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., group D streptococci, and S. epidermidis.

• Peritonitis caused by E. coli and Enterobacter spp.

• Septicemia caused by E. coli, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci), H. influenzae, and Klebsiella spp.

• Skin and skin structure infections caused by S. aureus, S. pyogenes, H. influenzae, E. coli, Enterobacter spp., and P. mirabilis.

• Bone and joint infections caused by S. aureus.

• As an antibiotic for infection prevention in patients undergoing surgery.

Contraindications

Cefamandole should not be used in people with a history of allergy to cefamandole or other cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects

• Pain at the injection site

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions

• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)

• Hepatic dysfunction

• Blood cell disorders (hematologic issues)

Types

Cefamandole is available as an injectable medication.

Dosage

Infectious Diseases

• Adults: 0.5-2 grams every 4-8 hours, depending on the infection's severity. It can be administered by injection or intravenously.
• Children >1 months old: 50-100 mg/kg/day in divided doses; for severe infections, the dose may increase to 150 mg/kg/day.

Prophylaxis (Prevention) of Infection During Surgery

• Adults: 1-2 grams, given 30-60 minutes before surgery, followed by 1-2 grams every 6 hours for 24-48 hours.
• Children >3 months old: 50-100 mg/kg/day, given 30-60 minutes before surgery, followed by the same dose every 6 hours for 24-48 hours.

Safety

• Patients with reduced kidney function should be closely monitored while using cefamandole, with kidney function regularly tested.
• This medication can cause bleeding, which can be managed with vitamin K administration. Regular blood tests such as bleeding time, clotting time, and other routine tests are recommended.
• During pregnancy, cefamandole should be used only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• It is unknown whether cefamandole passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Cefamandole may increase the risk of hypoprothrombinemia (a condition where blood clotting is impaired, leading to an increased risk of spontaneous bleeding) when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners).
• Probenecid (used to treat high uric acid levels) can increase blood levels of cefamandole.

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