Cephapirin
Cephapirin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It demonstrates activity against a range of gram-positive and certain gram-negative organisms.
Cephapirin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01DB08
- RxNorm
- 2238
- Generic
- Cephapirin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Today, Tomorrow
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno specific adjustment
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno specific adjustment
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno specific adjustment
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution monitor infant for GI disturbances
observe infant for diarrhea or thrush
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyadjust dose based on renal function
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
regular renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infantsweight-based dosing
use appropriate pediatric formulation and dosing
standard pediatric monitoring
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
use appropriate pediatric formulation and dosing
standard pediatric monitoring
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed for mild impairment
monitor renal function periodically
monitor creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentreduce dose or extend interval
reduce dose by 50% or extend dosing interval
frequent renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentsignificant dose reduction required
reduce dose significantly and monitor levels if available
close renal function and drug level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment typically needed
use standard dosing monitor for response
standard hepatic function monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antibiotic classification based on chemical structure and mechanism
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Primary use
Main therapeutic application
Human medical status
Current availability status in human medicine
Cephapirin has been used to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and was historically used in veterinary medicine for conditions such as mastitis in dairy cattle.
As a beta-lactam antibiotic, cephapirin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains essential for bacterial cell wall integrity.
Patients with penicillin allergies may exhibit cross-reactivity with cephalosporins. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, injection site reactions, and potential allergic responses. This medication is no longer widely marketed but played a significant role in both human and veterinary antibiotic therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy