Cefmetazole is a cephamycin antibiotic, usually grouped with the second-generation cephalosporins.
Adverse effects
The chemical structure of cefmetazole, like that of several other cephalosporins, contains an
N-methylthiotetrazole (NMTT or 1-MTT)
side chain. As the antibiotic is broken down in the body, it releases free NMTT, which can cause hypoprothrombinemia (likely due to
enzyme inhibitor of the
enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase) and a reaction with ethanol similar to that produced by
disulfiram, due to inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase.
Spectrum of bacterial susceptibility
Cefmetazole is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antimicrobial and has been effective in treating bacteria responsible for causing urinary tract and skin infections. The following represents MIC susceptibility data for a few medically significant microorganisms.
-
Bacteroides fragilis: 0.06 - >256 μg/ml
-
Clostridioides difficile: 8 - >128 μg/ml
-
Staphylococcus aureus: 0.5 - 256 μg/ml (includes MRSA)
