Use of Cefamandole in the Treatment of Soft Tissue and Skeletal Infections

Abstract

Thirty-eight patients were treated with cefamandole 6–12 g/d. These included 24 patients with cellulitis and/or abscess and 14 with osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. Two patients were bacteremic. Of the patients treated, 26 had an underlying disease; 27 required some surgical procedure. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent bacteria isolated. Of 38 patients treated, 31 had a clinical cure, six were unevaluable, and one failed on therapy. Twelve patients developed a reaction to the drug. Average peak serum level after cefamandole 1 g iv was 30.6 _μg/ml (range, 10–67 _μg/ml); average peak serum level after 2 g iv was 39.9 _μg/ml (range, 6.6–110 _μg/ml). Cancellous bone concentrations in two patients ranged from 6 to 7 _μg/ml, and cortical bone concentrations in five patients ranged from 10 to 28 _μg/ml.