cephaloridine

Cephaloridine is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is a bactericidal agent that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cephaloridine was historically used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-positive bacteria. It was administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Its spectrum of activity included many common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It also showed some activity against certain Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis, though it was generally less effective against these than later-generation cephalosporins.

However, the clinical use of cephaloridine has been significantly limited due to its nephrotoxicity. It is known to cause kidney damage, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or when administered at high doses or for prolonged periods. This toxicity is thought to be related to active transport into renal tubular cells, leading to accumulation and cellular damage.

Due to concerns about its safety profile, especially the potential for serious kidney damage, cephaloridine has largely been replaced in clinical practice by other cephalosporins with better safety margins and broader therapeutic applications. While it played a role in the early development of cephalosporin antibiotics, its use is now rare, and it is not a commonly prescribed medication in modern medicine.