cefapirin

Cefapirin (also spelled cephapirin) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used primarily in injectable formulations. It exhibits bactericidal activity by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), disrupting peptidoglycan cross-linking and leading to cell lysis and death. Cefapirin is effective against both gram-positive cocci and some gram-negative bacilli. While it was previously used in humans for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, septicemia, and surgical prophylaxis, its production for human use has been discontinued in the United States. Currently, cefapirin remains widely used in veterinary medicine—particularly for treating mastitis in cattle as intrauterine or intramammary preparations (e.g., Metricure and Mastiplan). The drug is administered parenterally (IV or IM) and eliminated primarily via the kidneys[2][4][6].

Brand names

CefadylMetricureMastiplan

Other names

cephapirin sodium