The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7383 p35
14 January 2006

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News summary

Beta-lactam antibiotic temocillin now available in the UK

Temocillin (Negaban; Eumedica), an injectable beta-lactam antibiotic, is now available in the UK. It is indicated for the treatment of septicaemia, urinary tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection where susceptible gram-negative bacilli are suspected or confirmed.

Temocillin is active against most gram-negative bacteria, excluding Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. It is also active against multiresistant gram-negative bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae that produce extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC beta-lactamases, Enterobacter aerogenes and Burkholderia cepacia. Temocillin is for administration in hospital only and can be given by intravenous injection, intermittent intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection at a dose of 1–2g every 12 hours.

A study conducted last year by David Livermore, of the Health Protection Agency, and colleagues concluded that temocillin deserves consideration as an alternative to carbapenems in infections — especially those of the urinary tract — due to ESBL producers and other multi-resistant gram-negative
bacteria.


Notice-board p36