Mezlocillin is a typical broad-spectrum antibiotic with versatile applications. It finds application in various bacterial infections.
What is mezlocillin?
Mezlocillin is a ß-lactam antibiotic that belongs to the acylaminopenicillins. Because absorption is poor with oral administration, mezlocillin is administered parenterally-that is, past the intestine. Parenteral administration includes, for example, injection or infusion into a vein (intravenous), injection or infusion into an artery (intraarterial), injection into a skeletal muscle (intramuscular), injection under the skin (subcutaneous), or injection or infusion into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal). In Germany, mezlocillin is available under the trade name Baypen.
Pharmacologic effects on the body and organs
As a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills bacteria, mezlocillin exhibits the typical mechanism of action of penicillins. Both gram-positive and gram-negative germs are encompassed by the spectrum of activity. In addition, mezlocillin also has a killing effect on problematic germs (e.g., Pseudomonas). Its mode of action is based on the inhibition of the synthesis of cell walls in the respective bacteria. As an acylaminopenicillin, mezlocillin rapidly penetrates these cell walls.
Medicinal use and use for treatment and prevention.
Mezlocillin is used as an antibiotic for a variety of bacterial infections. Such infections include blood poisoning (sepsis), impending infections in a weak immune system, infections of the heart wall, possible infections during surgery, infections of the bile ducts, meningitis, deeper respiratory infections, and inflammation of the peritoneum. Mezlocillin is also used for infections of the urinary tract and kidneys or infections of the female reproductive organs. Mezlocillin is also used for complications in obstetrics. Infections after injuries and burns as well as infections of the soft tissues and bones or the venereal disease gonorrhea are also treated with mezlocillin. The decisive factor for treatment is a sensitivity of the pathogen to the active substance. The use of mezlocillin is not indicated in cases of hypersensitivity to penicillins or antibiotics such as cephalosporins. A fertility-damaging effect has not yet been established, which is why mezlocillin is the drug of choice during pregnancy for various infections. In lactation, however, it should be prescribed only after careful consideration of the benefits and risks, since it passes into breast milk and may cause diarrhea and colonization of the intestinal mucosa with fungi in infants. In infants and children, the use of mezlocillin is generally possible, and the dosage depends on body weight.
Risks and side effects
Side effects may occur when taking mezlocillin. However, because each patient reacts differently, they do not have to occur. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, pressure in the stomach, allergic reactions of the skin (e.g., rash, itching), bleeding in skin or on mucous membranes, a black hairy tongue (hairy, dark coating on the back of the tongue), or inflammation of the lining of the mouth may occur. Occasionally, side effects also occur, such as a disturbance in the function of blood platelets, changes in the skin (e.g. Steven-Johnson syndrome, Lyell syndrome), severe allergic reactions, pain at the site of injection, inflammation of the veins, agranulocytosis (life-threatening destruction of granolucytes due to an allergic reaction), platelet deficiency, allergic shock, white blood cell deficiency, taste disturbances, or even a temporary increase in certain blood counts. If mezlocillin is taken together with other avoid medications, interactions may occur. Simultaneous administration of other penicillins or cephalosporins delays their degradation, prolonging their effect. If probenecid (agent used to treat gout) is taken at the same time, the concentration of mezlocillin in the blood as well as in the bile is increased and prolonged. Side effects increase when methotrexate is taken, so the methotrexate dose must be adjusted accordingly. The concentration of mezlocillin in the blood is also increased when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e. g.B. phenylbutazone, indomethacin) increased and prolonged. When mezlocillin is administered during or immediately after surgery and muscle relaxants are given at the same time, their effect may be prolonged and, above all, increased. Especially during surgery, the amplification of effect can lead to life-threatening adverse events. Regular and more frequent monitoring of coagulation parameters is necessary if concomitant therapy with high-dose heparin, antiplatelet agents or oral anticoagulants is used. In individual cases, contraceptive agents containing estrogens may also lose their effect. Live vaccines may also be ineffective while taking mezlocillin.
