Cefotetan disodium

A moderate amount of information indicates that cefotetan produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant's gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefotetan is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Objective: To report a case of cefotetan disodium-induced hemolytic anemia. Data sources: Original research articles and case reports. Data synthesis: A 46-year-old woman developed fulminant hemolytic anemia following a second exposure to intravenous cefotetan disodium for postoperative prophylaxis. She developed respiratory failure requiring intubation and acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis. The hemolysis was successfully treated with plasmapheresis, but the patient died on the 25th postoperative day. Positive Coomb's tests have been reported in less than three percent of patients receiving cefotetan. To our knowledge, this is the first case of fulminant hemolytic anemia associated with intravenous cefotetan disodium therapy. Conclusions: Cefotetan should be added to the list of drugs known to cause hemolytic anemia. Monitoring for hemolysis should be considered for patients who receive multiple courses of therapy.