Cefmenoxime is a synthetic antibiotic belonging to the group of cephalosporins. It exerts its strong bactericidal effect by inhibiting cell wall synthesis of infectious bacteria. The classic pathogens treated with cefmenoxime include staphylococci, streptococci, and E. coli bacteria.
What is cefmenoxime?
Cefmenoxime is a synthetic antibiotic that is highly bactericidal. This means it kills infectious bacteria specifically and efficiently. The medicinal substance owes its effectiveness to the triggered inhibition of cell wall synthesis of the infectious bacteria. These are no longer able to keep themselves alive. They die. Due to this mode of action, it belongs to the third generation of the group of so-called cephalosporins, which also includes the antibiotics ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and cefuroxime. In the medical or pharmacological literature, cefmenoxime is included in group 3a of cephalosporins. These are referred to as beta-lactam antibiotics. The white to whitish-yellow substance is marketed under the trade name Tacef. In chemistry and pharmacology, the substance is described by the chemical molecular formula C 16 – H 17 – N 5 – O 7 – S 2, which corresponds to a moral mass of 455.47 g/mol.
Pharmacological action
Cefmenoxime belongs to the third generation of the beta-lactam antibiotic drug class (group 3a according to the Paul Ehrlich Institute classification). As such, it has a four-membered lactam ring and goes back to the original form of penicillin. The effect of cefmenoxime is thus bactericidal. Infectious bacteria are thus specifically killed. Cefmenoxime achieves this by inhibiting the peptidoglycans (molecules composed of sugar and amino acids in the bacterial cell wall). These play a paramount role in bacterial cell division and are accordingly vital. After the inhibition process triggered by cefmenoxime, the bacterium dies. The excretion of cefmenoxime is 85% renal (through the kidneys). The half-life of the drug – which is typical for representatives of its group – is about 70 min. A good pharmacokinetic distribution to bone, wound secretion, urine and skin was observed. Distribution to cerebrospinal fluid and bronchial secretions, on the other hand, is only moderate. Furthermore, some cross-resistance already exists with cefotiam, cefuroxime, cefamandol, and cefazolin.
Medical use and application
Cefmenoxime is prescribed in human medicine to treat serious infections. These include sepsis, pneumonias (lung infections), wound infections, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and inflammation of the gall bladder. However, there is also an indication for such infections that are associated with a serious underlying condition (e.g., neuroborreliosis). The antibacterial spectrum of activity of cefmenoxime includes numerous gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. A bacterium is considered Gram-negative if it turns red when a differential stain is performed. If it turns blue, it is considered gram-positive. In particular, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella, Shigella, Morganella and Serratia can be well controlled by cefmenoxime. Cefmenoxime is approved for the treatment of adults and children and adolescents. The usual dose for a healthy adult is a maximum of 4 times 3 g. For children, 50 – 200 mg per kilogram of body weight is usually prescribed. Since most of the drug is broken down renally, the dosage should be reduced in cases of severe renal dysfunction.
Risks and side effects
Cefmenoxime may cause adverse side effects. Allergic reactions are also possible. Before first-time use, it should therefore be checked whether there is an allergy or intolerance to cefmenoxime or other representatives of group 3a of the cephalosoporin class of active substances. In these cases, there is a contraindication. Intolerance may be manifested by severe fever or extreme skin reactions (redness, itching, heating or similar). Treatment should then be suspended and medical advice sought immediately. Adverse side effects that may occur during therapy also include increased bleeding tendencies, alcohol intolerance, positive Coombs tests, and an increase in transaminase levels.
