Adverse reactions and interactions with newer cephalosporin and cephamycin antibiotics

In this review, adverse reactions and interactions associated with the use of the newer cephalosporins and cephamycins are surveyed; special emphasis is placed on those reactions specific for some of these newer agents, namely disulfiram-like reactions with alcohol, effects on prothrombin synthesis, and lower gastrointestinal tract reactions. It is apparent that cephalosporins with a 3-methylthiotetrazole side-chain in the cephem nucleus cause clinically significant side effects more frequently than those without such a moiety. While still having a high degree of safety, cephalosporins with this chemical structure clearly have a higher degree of toxicity than those without this side-chain.