Overview of Cefrazon
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Cefoperazone (as Cefoperazone sodium) |
| Form | Sterile Lyophilized Powder for Injection |
| Pharmacological class | Third-generation Cephalosporin, beta-Lactam Antibiotic |
| Common purpose | Systemic treatment of serious bacterial infections |
| Origin | Semisynthetic |
Cefrazon: Class, Composition, and Origin
Cefrazon is a prescription-only, semisynthetic beta-lactam antibiotic whose active ingredient is Cefoperazone (as the sodium salt), classified as a third-generation cephalosporin. This medicine belongs to the antibacterial agent group and is derived from the core cephalosporanic acid nucleus. Cefoperazone is uniquely characterized by its high biliary excretion, which makes it distinct from some other cephalosporins.
Pharmaceutical Type and Formulation
Cefrazon is not an oral medication; it is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized powder that must be reconstituted to create a solution for injection. This parenteral form is required because the active ingredient is not effectively absorbed when taken by mouth. The solution is administered directly into the vein (intravenously) or muscle (intramuscularly) to ensure rapid and effective concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream (systemic administration).
Cefoperazone is commonly co-formulated with the beta-lactamase inhibitor Sulbactam. This combination enhances the antibiotic's effectiveness by protecting Cefoperazone from inactivation by bacterial enzymes, thereby broadening its utility against resistant organisms.
General Purpose and High-Level Action
The general purpose of Cefrazon is to serve as a powerful, broad-spectrum agent for the resolution of susceptible bacterial infections that require robust systemic treatment, such as those typically encountered in hospitalized patients. Cefoperazone works through a bactericidal action, meaning it actively eliminates the pathogenic bacteria rather than just slowing their growth. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to disrupt the bacteria's vital function of building and repairing their protective cell wall structure.
Third-generation cephalosporins like Cefoperazone are utilized in critical care settings due to their wide spectrum of activity and stability.
Regulatory References
