Ceftaroline Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Ceftaroline injection (ceftaroline fosamil) is a next-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given into a vein to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. It is used in adults and, for certain infections, in children including infants. It works by stopping susceptible bacteria from building their cell walls, which kills the bacteria.

What is Ceftaroline Injection

Ceftaroline injection is an antibiotic medicine given into a vein. It belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics and is used to treat certain bacterial infections.

Ceftaroline Injection uses

• Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) in adults and children (at least 34 weeks gestational age and 12 days postnatal age)
• Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults and children 2 months of age and older

Benefits of Ceftaroline Injection

• Kills susceptible bacteria causing serious skin and lung infections
• Can be used in both adult and pediatric patients, including infants

How Ceftaroline Injection works

Ceftaroline kills certain bacteria that cause infections by attaching to proteins the bacteria need to build their cell walls, which stops the bacteria from surviving.

Ceftaroline Injection dosage

Ceftaroline injection is given into a vein (intravenously) through a needle or catheter, usually over 5 to 60 minutes, though some infusions for infants and lower doses may run 30 to 60 minutes. It is usually given every 8 or 12 hours, depending on age, weight, and the type of infection. It may be given in a hospital or at home if your healthcare provider has taught you how to use it correctly.

Length of treatment depends on the type of infection and how your body responds, generally 5 to 14 days for skin infections and 5 to 7 days for pneumonia. Finish the complete course even if you start feeling better, so the infection is fully treated and bacteria do not become resistant.

If a dose is missed, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up doses. This antibiotic will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Available forms and strengths

• Injection

Side effects of Ceftaroline Injection

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Rash
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Increased liver enzymes
• Low potassium levels
• Pain and irritation of the veins
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Itching, skin rash
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the injection was given

Serious

• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) such as swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue, severe rash, or trouble breathing or swallowing
• Watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during or after treatment, which could signal a serious intestinal infection (C. difficile-associated diarrhea)
• Signs of anemia such as extreme tiredness, pale skin, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath (possible drug-induced hemolytic anemia)
• Confusion, reduced consciousness, abnormal movements, or seizures (neurological reactions), especially in people with kidney problems given too high a dose
• Low white blood cell counts leading to fever, flu-like symptoms, or sore throat (agranulocytosis)
• Chest pain, which may signal a serious allergic reaction called Kounis syndrome

Warnings and precautions

• Serious, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions have occurred with this type of antibiotic. Tell your doctor about any past reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or carbapenems before starting treatment.
• Diarrhea linked to antibiotic use, including a serious intestinal infection called C. difficile-associated diarrhea, can occur during treatment or even months afterward.
• Nervous system problems such as confusion, seizures, or decreased alertness have occurred, especially in people with kidney problems who did not get an adjusted dose.
• This medicine can cause a positive result on a blood test (Coombs' test) that may indicate red blood cell destruction. If anemia develops, your doctor may need to check for this.
• Using antibiotics when they are not needed, or not finishing the full course, can make bacteria resistant to treatment in the future.
• There is not enough information from studies in pregnant women to know if this medicine is safe during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using it.
• It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or affects breastfed babies. Talk to your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
• People with kidney problems may need a lower dose, since this medicine is removed from the body by the kidneys. Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, which could affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

• Store your medication only as your healthcare provider directs
• Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children
• Dispose of unneeded medication through a medicine take-back program rather than flushing it down the toilet
• Unopened vials should be stored at controlled room temperature, with brief excursions to cooler or warmer temperatures allowed
• Store in a dry, well-ventilated place protected from light, and each vial is for single use only

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever, even if it happens months after you stop the medicine.
• Seek immediate care for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue, severe rash, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice extreme tiredness, pale skin, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, cold hands and feet, or dizziness, which could be signs of a blood problem.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you develop confusion, drowsiness, slow thinking, or a seizure.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms of serious skin reactions, such as blistering, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, or eyes.

Alternatives

• Vancomycin
• Ceftriaxone
• Telavancin