Data from large clinical studies were used to determine the frequency of very common to rare undesirable effects. The frequencies assigned to all other undesirable effects (ie, those occurring at <1/10,000) were mainly determined using post-marketing data and refer to a reporting rate rather than true frequency. Placebo-controlled trial data were not available. Where incidences have been calculated from clinical trial data, these were based on drug-related (investigator assessed) data.
The following convention has been used for the classification of frequency: Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 and <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1000 and <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1000) and very rare (<1/10,000).
Common: Overgrowth of Candida from prolonged use.
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Common: Eosinophilia.
Uncommon: Positive Coombs' test, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (sometimes profound).
Very Rare: Hemolytic anemia.
Cephalosporins as a class tend to be absorbed onto the surface of red-cell membranes and react with antibodies directed against the drug to produce a positive Coombs' test (which can interfere with cross-matching of blood) and very rarely, hemolytic anemia.
Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including: Uncommon: Skin rashes.
Rare: Urticaria, pruritus.
Very Rare: Drug fever, serum sickness, anaphylaxis.
Nervous System Disorders: Common: Headache, dizziness.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Common: Gastrointestinal disturbances including diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain.
Uncommon: Vomiting.
Rare: Pseudomembranous colitis.
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Common: Transient increases of hepatic enzyme levels, [ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), LDH].
Very Rare: Jaundice (predominantly cholestatic), hepatitis.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Common: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (exanthematic necrolysis).
View ADR Reporting Link