A semisynthetic parenteral cephalosporin. It exhibits modest
activity compared to other antipseudomonal cephalosporins.
Like cefoperazone, it is susceptible to many enterobacterial
β-lactamases. In volunteers receiving 0.1–1 g intramuscularly,
mean peak plasma concentrations reached 15–20 and
35–40 mg/L, respectively. There was no accumulation when
the dose was repeated every 8 h for 7 days. No metabolites
have been detected. The plasma elimination half-life is 1.8–
2.1 h. The principal route of elimination is renal, 70–80%
being recovered unchanged in the urine.
Significant pain at the site of infection has been a prominent
adverse event. It is no longer widely available.
