Cefoperazone monotherapy for serious infections in hospitalized patients--an initial Indian experience

Cefoperazone sodium is a broad spectrum third generation Cephalosporin recently introduced in India. This was used as a monotherapy to treat severe infections in hospitalized patients. These infections were due to various gram positive and gram negative organisms. Of the 22 evaluable patients, 21 (95%) were clinically cured and 1 (5%) improved. 18 pathogens were isolated from 17 patients. Microbiologic eradication was 100%. Symptomatic improvement occurred within 48-72 hours of onset of therapy with complete relief by 4-5 days. Dual mode of excretion makes this drug safe in presence of renal insufficiency. Anti-microbial activity against a wide spectrum of organisms and twice daily dosage schedule qualify Cefoperazone as a single antibiotic of choice in severe infections in critically ill patients.