Effectiveness of cefoperazone in treating cutaneous infections.

Twenty-eight patients with severe cutaneous infections received cefoperazone, 2 grams intramuscularly twice a day for seven days. A wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens were isolated from admission cultures. All patients showed rapid clinical improvement. Two patients did not complete the full course of therapy because of intervening medical problems unrelated to the antibiotic. No significant side effects were noted. Relapses or reinfections occurred in two patients. In conclusions, cefoperazone is a safe and effective antibiotic for use in skin infections requiring parenteral therapy.