Use of cefamandole in the treatment of soft tissue and skeletal infections.

In review of our data, 12 of 38 patients (31.5 percent) had adverse drug reactions, a somewhat bothersome factor. Disturbing side effects of leukopenia and pancytopenia were seen in two patients, respectively, who were receiving cefamandole 12 g/d. Other cephalosporins, including cephalothin and cefazolin, have been reported to cause leukopenia. Eosinophilia and elevations of alkaline phosphatase and SGOT levels were noted with other cephalosporins. We observed no adverse clinical reactions associated with these findings. Although our study was able to demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness of cefamandole in the treatment of soft tissue and skeletal infections, it should be reemphasized that cefamandole should be used only as an alternative treatment for the penicillin-allergic patient. In reality, a first-generation cephalosporin should be used for gram-positive organisms if one is required in soft tissue infections.