Cefmenoxime is a synthetic antibiotic with a strong bactericidal effect. This means it kills infectious bacteria in a targeted and efficient manner. The medicinal substance owes its effectiveness to the triggered inhibition of the cell wall synthesis of the infectious bacteria. It is no longer possible for them to keep themselves alive. they are dying.

Due to this mode of action, it is assigned to the third generation of the group of so-called cephalosporins, which also includes the antibiotics ceftriaxone , cefotaxime and cefuroxime .

In the medical and pharmacological literature, cefmenoxime belongs to group 3a of the cephalosporins. These are called beta-lactam antibiotics . The white to off-white 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 active substance class of beta-lactam antibiotics (group 3a according to the classification of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut). 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 killed in a targeted manner.Cefmenoxime achieves this by inhibiting peptidoglycans (molecules made up of sugars and amino acids in the bacterial cell wall). These play a major role in the cell division of the bacteria and are therefore vital. After the inhibition process triggered by cefmenoxime, the bacterium dies.

85% of cefmenoxime is excreted renally (through the kidneys ). The half-life of the drug is – which is typical for representatives of its group – about 70 minutes.

A good pharmacokinetic distribution to bone , wound exudate , urine and skin could be determined. The distribution to CSF ​​and bronchial secretion, on the other hand, is only moderate. Furthermore, there are already some cross-resistances with cefotiam , cefuroxime, cefamandole and cefazolin .

Medical Application & Use

Cefmenoxime is prescribed in human medicine to treat serious infections. These include sepsis , pneumonia ( inflammation of the lungs ), wound infections , meningitis , osteomyelitis and inflammation of the gallbladder . However, there is also an indication for infections that are associated with a serious underlying disease (e.g. neuroborreliosis ).

The spectrum of antibacterial activity of cefmenoxime includes numerous gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. A bacterium is considered gram negative if it stains red when differential staining is performed. If it is blue, it is considered Gram-positive.

In particular, staphylococci, hemophilus influenzae, salmonella , shigella, morganella and serratia can be effectively combated with cefmenoxime.

Cefmenoxime is approved for the treatment of adults, 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 the drug is largely broken down in the kidneys, the dosage should be reduced in the case of severe kidney dysfunction .

Risks & side effects

Cefmenoxime can lead to undesirable side effects . Allergic reactions are also possible. Before using it for the first time, it is therefore necessary to check whether there is an allergy or intolerance to cefmenoxime or other representatives of group 3a of the active substance class of cephalosoporins. In these cases there is a contraindication.Intolerances can manifest themselves in the form of a strong fever or extreme skin reactions ( redness , itching , heat, etc.). Treatment should then be suspended and medical advice sought immediately.

The undesirable side effects that can occur as part of therapy also include increased bleeding tendencies , alcohol intolerance , positive Coombs tests and an increase in transaminase levels .