Coagulopathy and hemorrhage associated with cefoperazone therapy in a patient with renal failure

We have reported life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage with hypoprothrombinemia in a patient treated with cefoperazone for a urinary tract infection. The coagulation abnormality was rapidly corrected with administration of vitamin K and discontinuation of the antibiotic. This complication of cefoperazone therapy is not widely recognized and may be seen more frequently with increased use of the drug.