Ceftaroline
TEFLARO
What it isCephalosporin binding PBP2a; MRSA skin infection and community-acquired pneumonia.
Why this onePBP2a binding gives a familiar beta-lactam framework with reliable activity against MRSA.
What limits itIt does not cover Pseudomonas. Prolonged courses can cause neutropenia; adjust for renal impairment.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute bacterial skin/skin-structure infection (ABSSSI) | Adults ≥18 y | 600 mg IV q12h ×5–14 days | 600 mg IV q12h | |
| Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) | Adults ≥18 y | 600 mg IV q12h ×5–7 days | 600 mg IV q12h | |
| ABSSSI or CABP | Children ≥2 y to <18 y (>33 kg) | 400 mg q8h or 600 mg q12h IV | 400 mg q8h or 600 mg q12h | |
| ABSSSI or CABP | Children ≥2 y to <18 y (≤33 kg) | 12 mg/kg q8h IV | 12 mg/kg q8h | |
| ABSSSI or CABP | Children 2 mo to <2 y | 8 mg/kg q8h IV | 8 mg/kg q8h | |
| ABSSSI | Infants 0 to <2 mo (GA ≥34 wk, PNA ≥12 d) | 6 mg/kg q8h IV | 6 mg/kg q8h |
Renal Adults: CrCl >30–≤50 → 400 mg q12h; CrCl ≥15–≤30 → 300 mg q12h; ESRD/hemodialysis → 200 mg q12h (after dialysis). No adjustment if CrCl >50. Insufficient data for pediatric CrCl <50
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- IV infusion over 5–60 minutes (30–60 minutes for infants <2 months)
Cautions
- Serious hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis; cross-sensitivity with penicillins/carbapenems
- CDAD
- Neurological reactions (encephalopathy, seizures), especially in renal impairment without dose adjustment
- Direct Coombs seroconversion (~11% adults, ~18% children); evaluate for drug-induced hemolytic anemia if anemia develops
Adverse reactions
- Diarrhea, nausea, rash (most common); vomiting and pyrexia in children
- Constipation, increased transaminases, hypokalemia, phlebitis
- Anemia, eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia; hepatitis; renal failure (<2%)
Pregnancy No adequate human studies; no malformations in animals (maternal toxicity/abortion in rabbits at higher doses)
Lactation No data on presence in human milk or effects on the breastfed infant
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskNo pseudomonal cover
Cost, est. cash$300–$5,000/dose or month
Generic entry2021
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryB
Defining liabilityAllergy, gastrointestinal effects and agent-specific renal, hepatic, hematologic or interaction risks.
Mechanism of action: Ceftaroline ballicule
