Cephalosporin-induced hypoprothrombinemia: is the N-methylthiotetrazole side chain the culprit?

Abstract

The reported high incidence of vitamin-K-reversible hypoprothrombinemia associated with the new beta-lactamase-stable cephalosporins prompted us to evaluate the effect on hemostasis of three cephalosporins (cefamandole, ceftriaxone, and ceftazidime) in 30 patients with serious infections. Cefamandole and ceftriaxone, both containing a sulfhydryl group, induced a significant and similar prolongation of prothrombin time and decrease in factor VII activity. Ceftazidime, in contrast, had no effect on these two parameters.

• Authors: G Agnelli, A Del Favero, P Parise, R Guerciolini, B Pasticci, G G Nenci, F Ofosu
• Journal: Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy (Antimicrob Agents Chemother) Vol. 29 Issue 6 Pg. 1108-9 (Jun 1986) ISSN: 0066-4804 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3729364 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Azoles
• Cephalosporins
• Tetrazoles
• 1-N-methyl-5-thiotetrazole

Topics

• Azoles (adverse effects)
• Bacterial Infections (drug therapy)
• Cephalosporins (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypoprothrombinemias (chemically induced)
• Male
• Prothrombin Time
• Structure-Activity Relationship
• Tetrazoles (adverse effects)