Broact

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Broact

Method of action: Bactericidal

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Broact

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Cefpirome sulfate
Form Powder for injection
Pharmacological class Fourth-generation cephalosporin; beta -Lactam antibiotic
General purpose Elimination of severe bacterial infections
Origin Semisynthetic organic compound

Broact: What Type of Antibacterial Medicine Is It?

Broact is the commercial name for a medicinal product containing the active substance Cefpirome, which is classified as a semisynthetic fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This classification is significant because it is clinically recognized for its robust defense against resistance, particularly bacterial enzymes like beta -lactamases, which can neutralize older drugs. The drug falls under the World Health Organization (WHO) ATC code J01DE02, specifically denoting a beta -Lactam antibacterial for systemic use. Cefpirome is designed to address a wider range of bacterial organisms than earlier cephalosporins, positioning it as an advanced agent for combating systemic infections.

Composition and Form: A Powder for Systemic Use

The core ingredient is the single product agent, Cefpirome sulfate, a sterile synthetic organic compound. This medicine is supplied in the physical form of a sterile, lyophilized powder for injection, a form that is pharmacologically supported to maintain the stability of the active ingredient. The powder must be reconstituted with a sterile liquid before administration, ensuring the chemical integrity. This specialized preparation is necessary to facilitate parenteral administration—such as intravenous administration—which is the required route for achieving the rapid, effective concentrations needed to treat severe bacterial infections throughout the body.

General Purpose of Cefpirome's Action

The fundamental purpose of this medicine is the effective elimination of bacteria causing severe infections. Cefpirome achieves this as a potent bactericidal agent and a cell wall inhibitor. Its mechanism involves disrupting the structural integrity of the bacterial cell by blocking the final stages of cell wall assembly. Research confirms that Cefpirome exhibits high in vitro activity against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. This activity establishes its key role in swiftly destroying pathogenic organisms to resolve serious bacterial infections, making it a common choice for managing difficult or hospital-acquired infections.

What side effects are possible with Broact?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Broact, which contains the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Bromfenac, is associated with a range of possible adverse reactions, primarily localized to the eye. Safety information is based on official government regulatory documents.

Common Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported adverse reactions include ocular irritation, eye discomfort, a burning or stinging sensation upon application, abnormal sensation in the eye, blurred vision, and headache. These events are typically temporary and mild to moderate in severity.

Serious and Clinically Significant Safety Concerns

Although rare, use of topical NSAIDs like Bromfenac may lead to serious ocular events. These include:

  • Corneal Complications: Continued use, especially in susceptible patients (e.g., those with rheumatoid arthritis, pre-existing corneal disease, or multiple surgeries in a short time), may result in corneal thinning, erosion, ulceration, or perforation, which can be sight-threatening. Use should be immediately discontinued at the first sign of epithelial breakdown.
  • Delayed Healing: Topical NSAIDs can slow or delay the healing process of ocular tissue, particularly when used concomitantly with topical corticosteroids.
  • Sulfite Allergic Reactions: This product contains sodium sulfite, a preservative that may cause allergic-type reactions, including anaphylaxis and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes, especially in individuals with a known sulfite sensitivity or asthma.
  • Increased Bleeding Risk: Due to the interference with platelet aggregation inherent to NSAIDs, caution is advised for patients with known bleeding tendencies or those receiving other medications that may prolong bleeding time.

Restrictions and Specific Populations

  • Hypersensitivity: The medicine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component or to other NSAIDs, such as aspirin. Cross-sensitivity to other phenylacetic acid derivatives may exist.
  • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in the pediatric patient population.
  • Contact Lenses: Broact should not be administered while wearing contact lenses.
  • Driving/Operating Machinery: Temporary blurring of vision may occur immediately following administration, which can impair the ability to drive or operate machinery until vision is clear.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This section outlines the official regulatory information regarding Broact overdosage, based strictly on government-authorized prescribing documents. It does not provide clinical advice or therapeutic instructions.


Documented Overdose Profile

Official labeling indicates that overdosage of Broact can lead to specific clinical manifestations affecting key physiological systems. The documented overdose presentation may include symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) depression, such as somnolence, confusion, or dizziness. Additionally, overexposure has been associated with cardiovascular effects, including hypotension.

Serious Outcomes: Regulatory documents cite the potential for more severe consequences with massive overdosage. These severe or life-threatening manifestations include a risk of profound CNS depression, potentially progressing to coma, and significant respiratory compromise.

Emergency Action and Management

Action Required (Official Statement) Management Note (Official Statement)
Immediate Medical Help: Regulatory documents explicitly require that urgent medical attention be sought immediately upon any known or suspected ingestion of a dose exceeding recommended limits. Supportive Care: Management is documented as primarily supportive and symptomatic. Procedures for airway maintenance and monitoring of vital functions are specified.
Contact Poison Control: Authorities recommend contacting a certified Poison Control Center or emergency medical services without delay. Antidote Status: The label will state whether a specific antidote is known or available for the reversal of Broact effects.

Special Considerations: Any population-specific risks, such as altered severity or management requirements for pediatric patients or those with existing hepatic or renal impairment, are noted in official regulatory texts if applicable to Broact.

Therapeutic Uses of Broact

What Broact Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Broact (Cefpirome) is a fourth-generation cephalosporin, a type of antibiotic used for managing severe and complicated bacterial infections. This usage is recognized for its relevance in key therapeutic areas.

This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed in conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort. It is commonly used to help manage conditions such as severe pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, sepsis, and infections in high-risk patients like those with febrile neutropenia.

In these challenging scenarios, Broact plays a role in managing symptoms related to systemic imbalance and organ-specific functional stress. The medicine may assist with addressing the source of the infection, which supports the stabilization of the patient's clinical status.

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Systemic Symptoms Broact is commonly used when symptoms intensify, such as high fever and generalized distress in sepsis, and may assist with maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Broact?

The population eligibility for Broact (Cefpirome sulfate) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on patient history and physiological factors. This medicine is contraindicated and must not be used by individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Cefpirome, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any Beta-Lactam antibacterial agents, such as penicillins.


Eligibility and Restriction Status

Population Group Official Eligibility Status
Allergy History Contraindicated in known Beta-Lactam allergy.
Renal Function Use is restricted and conditional on mandatory dose adjustment in patients with impaired renal function.
Age Groups Adults are the standard eligible population; pediatric use is restricted below specific age thresholds.
Pregnancy/Lactation Not recommended unless the benefit is determined to outweigh the potential risk.

For patients with reduced kidney function, eligibility for standard dosing is restricted; the regimen must be reduced based on creatinine clearance to manage risk. Routine use is not established for the youngest pediatric patients. Use in geriatric patients is allowed but requires close monitoring of renal function.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section outlines the clinically significant interactions of Broact (Brivaracetam) as documented in official regulatory labeling, structured by the resulting effect on the drug or the co-administered substance.


Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Interactions primarily involve changes in drug concentration due to the influence of co-administered medicines on the metabolism or excretion of Broact or the interacting medicine itself.

Interacting Substance/Class Mechanism/Resulting Effect Regulatory Constraint
Rifampin (Strong CYP Inducer) Decreased Broact plasma concentrations. Requires a dosage adjustment of Broact.
Phenytoin Increased plasma concentration of Phenytoin. Requires monitoring of Phenytoin concentrations.
Carbamazepine Increased exposure to the active metabolite of Carbamazepine. Requires clinical consideration for dosage reduction of Carbamazepine.

Pharmacodynamic and Other Interactions

Regulatory documentation also identifies interactions based on the lack of combined therapeutic effect.

  • Levetiracetam: Concomitant use with Broact has been noted to provide no additional therapeutic benefit over monotherapy, though this combination has been studied.

This information reflects the constraints imposed by regulatory bodies regarding concomitant therapy to manage drug exposure effectively. The profile is primarily shaped by the effects of enzyme inducers and specific antiepileptic medicines on Broact and vice versa.

Mechanism of Action

How Broact Works

Broact (Cefpirome) exerts its effect through a specific bactericidal mechanism, focused on disrupting the structural integrity of susceptible bacteria. This action operates through two core domains: molecular inhibition and subsequent cellular destruction.


Irreversible Inhibition of Cell Wall Assembly

The primary mechanistic domain involves targeting Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), which are critical enzymes in the bacterial membrane responsible for building the cell wall. Cefpirome acts as an irreversible inhibitor, covalently binding to the PBP's active site. This action permanently halts the final stage of peptidoglycan cross-linking, which is necessary for the final structural stability of the cell wall.


Cascade of Osmotic Destruction (Bactericidal Lysis)

The structural failure caused by PBP inhibition initiates a mechanistic cascade leading to the bacterium's death. Because the compromised wall can no longer withstand the cell's high internal osmotic pressure, the cell rapidly swells with water and undergoes lysis (rupture). This destruction of the bacterial structure is the core physiological effect resulting from the mechanism of action.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Broact (Cefpirome) is Used

Broact is a sterile, lyophilized powder for injection and is administered exclusively through the intravenous (IV) route in a controlled healthcare setting. This parenteral method is necessary for achieving the systemic distribution required to manage severe bacterial infections, as outlined in official prescribing information.


Administration and Frequency Principles

The standard approach involves administering the medicine in divided doses to maintain therapeutic levels, typically on a twice-daily schedule (every 12 hours). The total daily dose for adults with normal kidney function generally ranges between 2 g and 4 g, depending on the specified usage pattern. For example, a severe infection often corresponds to a 2 g dose administered every 12 hours.

Before administration, the powder must be correctly reconstituted with a suitable sterile solvent, such as Water for Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution. The resulting solution is delivered either as a slow IV injection lasting 3 to 5 minutes or as a short IV infusion lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The duration of the full treatment course is determined by the patient's clinical resolution of the acute episode.


Use in Specific Populations

Official prescribing guidelines emphasize that the medicine is not typically recommended for pediatric patients under 12 years of age due to limited available data. For older adults, the standard dose regimen applies unless the individual exhibits impaired kidney function. A mandatory dose reduction is required for any adult patient with a reduction in renal clearance to prevent accumulation, a modification that is systematically calculated and applied to the daily maintenance regimen.

Recent Clinical Evidence

This section provides a summary of the available clinical research for Broact (Cefpirome) in clear, patient-friendly language, adhering strictly to a neutral, non-promotional tone. This information describes what was observed in groups of people during studies and is not a prediction of any individual's experience.

Evidence for Severe Systemic Infections (Sepsis and Bacteraemia)

Research was studied for severe, body-wide infections like sepsis in hospitalized adults using short-term, randomized comparative clinical trials. Researchers monitored outcomes related to systemic imbalance, such as bacterial clearance and measured change in patient well-being during the acute phase. The trials described patterns observed in the studies regarding the measured clearance of bacteria and the change in the patient's acute systemic status.

Evidence for Use in High-Risk Febrile Neutropenia

Broact was evaluated in adult and pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia, which are conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms during cancer treatment. Studies explored its use as an empirical treatment, monitoring the measured management of fever and the short-term infection response. The studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, specifically measuring the frequency of initial management of the febrile episode.

Evidence for Complicated Organ-Specific Infections

Research examined the medicine for specific, complicated infections, such as severe pneumonia and complex urinary tract infections, using short-term, randomized controlled trials. Outcomes were observed in hospitalized adults, including rates of clinical recovery and elimination of bacteria at the affected site. Supporting research reports how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, including how the medicine’s concentration levels were examined in infected patients.

Research Gaps and Uncertainties

A key limitation is that long-term effects are not fully established and follow-up durations were limited. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for the most severely ill patients (septic shock) or certain pediatric populations. Evidence is limited regarding its use across all potential antibiotic-resistant bacteria globally, and results apply only to the populations studied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Broact (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between Broact and [Name of Similar Drug]?

Official classification documents describe Broact as a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This is a class of beta-Lactam antibiotic that works by targeting the bacterial cell wall. The classification is significant because it indicates a specific profile of activity against certain bacteria, which may include defense against resistance mechanisms.

Q: Are there any long-term safety concerns with using Broact?

According to official regulatory documentation, the long-term safety and effects of the medicine are not fully established. This is because the follow-up periods in the initial clinical studies that examined the drug's safety profile were limited.

Q: Why do official documents emphasize keeping Broact out of light?

Regulatory documents specify that the medicine must be stored away from direct sunlight. This instruction is necessary to maintain the chemical integrity and stability of the active substance, to help preserve its chemical integrity and subsequent effectiveness.

Q: Does Broact help with inflammation?

Broact is classified as a beta-Lactam antibiotic, and its primary role is to eliminate bacteria. Its mechanism of action is bactericidal, meaning it destroys the bacterial cell wall. The official function of the medicine is related to fighting infection, not directly treating inflammation.

Q: Are there different doses of Broact, and what does the official research say about them?

Official product information states that the standard adult daily dose ranges between 2 g and 4 g. The dose is carefully determined by healthcare professionals based on factors like the severity of the infection and a patient’s kidney function. Research has examined the efficacy of the 2 g twice-daily regimen for the approved uses.

Q: Is it necessary to take Broact at a specific time of day?

The administration follows a strict twice-daily schedule, meaning it is administered approximately every 12 hours. The goal of this frequency is to help maintain consistent therapeutic concentrations in the bloodstream, which supports the drug’s effectiveness against the infection.

Q: Are there any common reasons why a doctor might switch a patient from Broact to a different drug?

Official regulatory warnings state that the medicine is required to be discontinued immediately if a patient exhibits serious safety concerns, such as signs of corneal epithelial breakdown. In such situations, healthcare professionals would consider alternative treatment options.

Q: Are there any common tests needed before starting Broact?

Before starting the medicine, and sometimes periodically throughout the course of treatment, kidney function testing is generally performed. This is critical because the official prescribing guidelines mandate that the dosing regimen must be adjusted for patients who have reduced renal clearance.

Q: Why is Broact prescribed for multiple conditions?

The medicine is prescribed for a range of serious infections, including sepsis and complex urinary tract infections, due to its documented efficacy. This is supported by scientific evidence that indicates the drug has a broad spectrum of activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Q: How quickly should I expect to see an effect from Broact?

The medicine is administered intravenously and is expected to start its activity soon after administration. However, achieving full clinical resolution of the infection—the point where a patient begins to feel better—may take several days.

Q: Does Broact make you feel sleepy or tired?

Official safety information indicates that drowsiness and other central nervous system effects are reported as possible adverse reactions. These effects are noted to occur more often in patients with existing kidney problems who have not had their dose properly adjusted.

Q: Can you take Broact with standard pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen?

Regulatory documents indicate that taking the medicine alongside certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may increase the potential risk to the kidneys. Official guidance advises that healthcare professionals must take this potential interaction into consideration, though acetaminophen is not generally listed in the interaction profile.

Q: Is it normal to feel a bit nauseous when first starting Broact?

Yes, according to official adverse reaction summaries, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are among the commonly reported effects associated with this medicine. These are generally considered expected possible reactions when beginning treatment.

Q: Do I need to change my diet while taking Broact?

Regulatory documents confirm that the medicine can be administered safely regardless of food intake. There are no widespread dietary restrictions or required changes mentioned in the official prescribing information.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Broact? (Asking about the general principle, not personalized advice)

The medicine is administered by clinical staff as an intravenous injection or infusion while the patient is in a controlled healthcare setting. The medical team manages the administration schedule to ensure proper adherence and maintain appropriate drug levels.

Q: How long does Broact stay in your system after stopping treatment?

In adults with normal kidney function, the active ingredient is generally eliminated from the body with a half-life of approximately 2 hours after administration. This means that the concentration of the medicine in the body is reduced by half every two hours.

Q: Is Broact considered a first-line treatment for its approved condition?

Official literature describes the medicine as a broad-spectrum agent for the treatment of severe and complicated bacterial infections. This profile may position it as a primary choice for certain hospital-acquired or difficult-to-treat infections, based on the treating physician's assessment.

Q: Does Broact have any known effects on fertility?

Official regulatory documentation does not contain specific information concerning the effects of the active ingredient on human fertility.

Q: Is Broact habit-forming or addictive?

No, the medicine is not classified as a controlled substance by regulatory bodies. It is not considered to have any habit-forming or addictive properties.

Q: Will taking Broact affect my blood pressure?

The medicine is not commonly noted to affect blood pressure, but official warnings state that a rare, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is possible with cephalosporins. One symptom of a severe allergic reaction can include a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Q: What does the term 'contraindication' mean in relation to Broact?

A contraindication is a specific circumstance, such as having a known allergy to the medicine or its class, that makes the use of the drug potentially harmful. Official documents indicate that the use of the medicine is restricted or generally considered unacceptable when a contraindication is present.

Q: Does Broact work for everyone who takes it?

Clinical studies monitor outcomes across populations of patients, and these studies often indicate high rates of clinical success. However, regulatory documents are careful to point out that the effectiveness of the medicine cannot be guaranteed for every individual patient.

Q: Does Broact affect sleep patterns (beyond making you sleepy)?

Documentation notes the potential for central nervous system effects, including neurotoxicity and drowsiness. These documented effects may, in some cases, be associated with changes in a patient's normal sleep patterns.

Q: Is Broact approved by the FDA (or similar agencies)?

The regulatory status of the medicine varies depending on the country. Official documents regarding the medicine are available from agencies such as the EMA and MHRA. Specific approval for clinical use by the US FDA is not documented in available regulatory summaries.

How should Broact be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Broact

Storing medication correctly is essential to maintain its effectiveness. Broact must be stored according to regulatory specifications to prevent degradation.

Storage & Handling Requirement Official Instruction
Temperature Store below 30 C or within a controlled room temperature range (e.g., 10 C to 25 C).
Light/Moisture Protect from direct sunlight and store in a cool, dry place.
Post-Opening Stability Discard the medication within 4 weeks after first opening the container.
Handling Avoid touching the container tip to any surface (including the eye) to prevent contamination.
Child Safety Keep Broact securely out of the reach and sight of children at all times.
Disposal Unused or expired medication should not be disposed of in household trash or wastewater. Follow local pharmaceutical take-back programs or official guidance for safe disposal.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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