Use of long half-life parenteral cephalosporins in ambulatory practice

Cefonicid (Monocid) and ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are long half-life cephalosporins that may be used for serious infections in the outpatient setting. They may be used as an extension of initial hospital treatment, or therapy can be initiated and completed in many cases with the patient remaining at home. Sufficient clinical experience exists with both ceftriaxone and cefonicid to recommend these agents for selected patients having pyelonephritis, osteomyelitis, or soft tissue infections. Cefonicid, perhaps in combination with erythromycin, will provide excellent coverage for complicated community-acquired pneumonias. Ceftriaxone is effective as single-dose therapy for even complicated gonococcal infections. The use of long half-life cephalosporins in ambulatory practice may result in substantial cost savings for certain patients.