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Teflaro

ceftaroline
Used for Skin Infection, Bacterial Infection, Pneumonia
Used for Skin Infection, Bacterial Infection, Pneumonia

Ceftaroline, also known by its brand name Teflaro, is a fifth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that's used to treat pneumonia and skin infections. It's usually used for people who might have an infection from resistant bacteria, such as MRSA. Ceftaroline (Teflaro) is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Ceftaroline (Teflaro) is similar to penicillin, so it might not be a good choice for people with a penicillin allergy.

Last reviewed on January 29, 2024
basics-icon

What is Ceftaroline (Teflaro)?

What is Ceftaroline (Teflaro) used for?

How Ceftaroline (Teflaro) works

Ceftaroline (Teflaro) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making a covering around themselves for protection.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTeflaro
Drug ClassCephalosporin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Ceftaroline (Teflaro)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Adults:
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Nausea (4%)
  • Rash (3%)
Children:
  • Diarrhea (8%)
  • Rash (7%)
  • Vomiting (5%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Fever (3%)

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
  • Nervous system side effects: hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), seizures, sudden and brief involuntary movements or twitching, not able to speak, confusion
  • C. difficile-related diarrhea: foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day), fever, stomach pain or cramps

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Back, leg, or stomach pains

bleeding gums

chills

dark urine

difficulty with breathing

fever

general body swelling

headache

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

nosebleeds

pale skin

sore throat

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Less common

Black, tarry stools

blood in the urine or stools

bluish color

changes in skin color

chest pain, discomfort, or tightness

confusion

cough

decreased frequency or amount of urine

diarrhea

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dry mouth

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

general tiredness and weakness

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

light-colored stools

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

lower back or side pain

mood changes

muscle pain or cramps

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

seizures

skin itching, rash, redness, or hives

slow or irregular heartbeat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness

swelling of the face, throat, fingers, or lower legs

swollen glands

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody

weakness or heaviness of the legs

weight gain

Incidence not known

Agitation

back pain

blurred vision

coma

hallucinations

irritability

mood or mental changes

shaking or jerking of one area or side of the body

stiff neck

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

flushed, dry skin fruit-like breath odor

increased hunger

increased urination

sweating

unexplained weight loss

welts

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ceftaroline (Teflaro)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well at treating serious bacterial infections of the skin and lungs

Can use to treat adults and children of all ages

Doesn't interact with other medications

Can fight against resistant bacteria like MRSA

thumbs-down

Cons

Needs to be given as an IV infusion by a healthcare provider

Only approved for skin infections and certain types of pneumonia

Given every 8 to 12 hours

Available as a brand-name medication only

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ceftaroline (Teflaro)

pharmacist
  • Ceftaroline (Teflaro) can cause diarrhea even though it's given as an injection. In general, it should go away when you stop taking the antibiotic.

    • Get medical help as soon as possible if you start having watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps anytime during treatment or after stopping ceftaroline (Teflaro). These can be signs of serious infectious (C. diff) diarrhea that should be treated right away.

      • Get medical help right away if you or your loved ones notice any changes in your behavior, such as confusion, trouble speaking, or hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real). These could be signs of nervous system side effects from ceftaroline (Teflaro).

        • Notify your care team if you develop other symptoms of an illness or if your symptoms become worse. Ceftaroline (Teflaro) can only treat infections caused by bacteria, so it won't help if you have a viral or fungal infection.

          Tips for using ceftaroline (Teflaro) at home (if instructed by your provider):

          • If you need treatment with ceftaroline (Teflaro) for a long time, it's possible that your provider might let you take the medication at home. If so, make sure to carefully follow your provider's instructions so you use ceftaroline (Teflaro) properly and safely.

            • Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare your ceftaroline (Teflaro) dose and transfer it into a clean IV bag that'll then be used to infuse the medication into your vein. Ask your provider if you have any questions on how to prepare and infuse the medication.

              • Make sure to set a reminder for your infusions. It's important to get all of your doses of ceftaroline (Teflaro) and finish your treatment course, even if you feel better. Your infection might get worse or become harder to treat if you stop the medication earlier than prescribed.

                • Mark your scheduled provider visits and blood work appointments on your calendar. These follow-ups help your provider check that ceftaroline (Teflaro) is treating your infection and that it's as safe as possible for you.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Ceftaroline (Teflaro)

                  Does ceftaroline (Teflaro) cover Pseudomonas?
                  No, ceftaroline (Teflaro) doesn't cover, or fight against, the Pseudomonas bacteria. Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that can cause severe infections and is typically hard to treat because it's resistant to many antibiotics. Other antibiotics similar to ceftaroline (Teflaro) that can treat infections caused by Pseudomonas include cefepime (Maxipime) and meropenem (Merrem).
                  Does ceftaroline (Teflaro) cover MRSA?
                  Yes, ceftaroline (Teflaro) covers (treats) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is a type of bacteria that's typically hard to treat because many antibiotics don't work well against it. Ceftaroline (Teflaro) is typically used to treat people who have, or who are suspected of having, an infection with a potentially resistant bacteria like MRSA.
                  What bacteria does ceftaroline (Teflaro) cover?
                  Ceftaroline (Teflaro) can cover, or fight against, many types of bacteria. Some examples include certain bacteria within the Enterococci and Streptococci families. The medication can also fight against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which is typically hard to treat. In addition, ceftaroline (Teflaro) can treat bacterial infections caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), and Klebsiella.
                  Is ceftaroline (Teflaro) a penicillin?
                  No, ceftaroline (Teflaro) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. But cephalosporin and penicillin antibiotics have similar chemical structures, so ceftaroline (Teflaro) still might not be a good choice for people with a penicillin allergy. Make sure your care team is aware of any allergies to medications, especially to penicillin or other antibiotics. Your providers can check that you can be safely treated with the antibiotics they've chosen.
                  Can you take ceftaroline (Teflaro) if you're allergic to penicillin?
                  It depends. If you have a penicillin allergy, there's a small chance that you might have an allergic reaction to ceftaroline (Teflaro) too. Your provider will decide whether ceftaroline (Teflaro) is safe for you based on what your reaction to penicillin was like (a mild rash or itchy skin compared to a severe reaction like facial swelling or anaphylaxis). Your provider will probably still treat you with ceftaroline (Teflaro) and watch for reactions if it was mild. But your care team might decide to use a different antibiotic altogether if you had a severe reaction to penicillin.
                  What generation is ceftaroline (Teflaro)?
                  Ceftaroline (Teflaro) is a fifth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It's a fairly new type of cephalosporin (approved by the FDA in 2010), and it covers different types of bacteria compared to earlier generations. Currently, there are no other fifth-generation cephalosporins available besides ceftaroline (Teflaro).
                  Can you get treated with ceftaroline (Teflaro) if you're breastfeeding?
                  There isn't much information about how safe it is to take ceftaroline (Teflaro) while breastfeeding. But experts generally agree that it's safe because the medication isn't expected to cause side effects in your baby. It's best to check with your provider first to see whether it's safe to breastfeed while you're getting treated with ceftaroline (Teflaro). If your provider says it's safe to do so, watch your baby for any diarrhea or fungal infection in the mouth called thrush.
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                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Ceftaroline (Teflaro)?

                  Ceftaroline (Teflaro) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Allergic reactions

                  • Risk factors: Allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics

                    Allergic reactions to ceftaroline (Teflaro) are possible. These can include life-threatening reactions like hives, facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have an allergy to antibiotics. Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing at any time while you're being treated with ceftaroline (Teflaro).

                    risk-warning

                    Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

                    Antibiotics, including ceftaroline (Teflaro), raise your risk of getting infected with a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
                    This is because antibiotics change the amount of normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines. This can cause C. diff to overgrow in your gut and lead to an infection. C. diff infection can cause diarrhea that can sometimes be life-threatening.

                    This type of infectious diarrhea is different than diarrhea as a possible side effect of ceftaroline (Teflaro). C. diff-related diarrhea can cause rapid heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day), or bloody stools and is a medical emergency. Get medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms so you can be tested for C. diff infection and receive treatment.

                    risk-warning

                    Nervous system side effects

                    • Risk factors: Not adjusting the ceftaroline (Teflaro) dose in people with kidney problems

                      Although rare, some people who were treated with ceftaroline (Teflaro) reported serious nervous system side effects, such as confusion and seizures. While these side effects can happen to anyone, people with kidney problems are at higher risk, especially if their ceftaroline (Teflaro) dose isn't appropriately adjusted. Call 911 or call the nurse if you or your loved ones notice any of these side effects. Nervous system side effects from ceftaroline (Teflaro) usually go away after stopping the medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Development of drug-resistant bacteria

                      Your provider will monitor your treatment with ceftaroline (Teflaro) to make sure you're taking the antibiotic for the appropriate infection and amount of time. Using ceftaroline (Teflaro) for any shorter or longer periods of time or taking the antibiotic for other illnesses can raise your risk for developing infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This raises your risk for severe and life-threatening infections that might be hard to treat.

                      dosage

                      Ceftaroline (Teflaro) dosage forms

                      Typical dosing for Ceftaroline (Teflaro)

                      Ceftaroline (Teflaro) is given as an infusion into the veins, also known as an intravenous (IV) infusion, over 5 to 60 minutes.

                      • Age 18 years and older: The typical dose is 600 mg IV every 12 hours. Treatment typically lasts for 5 to 7 days (for pneumonia) or for 5 to 14 days (for skin infections).

                      • Age 2 years to under 18 years

                        • Weigh more than 73 pounds (33 kg): The typical dose is 400 mg given IV every 8 hours, or 600 mg given IV every 12 hours. Treatment typically lasts for 5 to 14 days.

                        • Weigh 73 pounds (33 kg) or less: The typical dose is 12 mg/kg of weight given IV every 8 hours for 5 to 14 days.

                      • Age 2 months to under 2 years: The typical dose is 8 mg/kg of weight given IV every 8 hours for 5 to 14 days.

                      • Age under 2 months: The typical dose is 6 mg/kg of weight given IV every 8 hours for 5 to 14 days.

                      Your dose will differ if you have kidney problems.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Ceftaroline (Teflaro) and other drugs

                      Ceftaroline (Teflaro) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ceftaroline (Teflaro). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      contraindications-icon

                      Ceftaroline (Teflaro) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ceftaroline (Teflaro) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Ceftaroline (Teflaro)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ceftaroline (Teflaro). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Ceftaroline (Teflaro)
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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Allergan, Inc. (2021). Teflaro- ceftaroline fosamil powder, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Bush, L. M. (2023). Enterococcal infections. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

                      Bush, L. M. (2024). Pseudomonas infections. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

                      View All References (11)

                      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Haemophilus influenzae disease.

                      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About Escherichia coli infection.

                      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) basics.

                      Chang, D., et al. (2021). Clinical epidemiology, risk factors, and control strategies of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Frontiers in Microbiology.

                      Chaudhry, S. B., et al. (2019). Cephalosporins: A focus on side chains and β-lactam cross-reactivity. Pharmacy. 

                      Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2020). Ceftaroline. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                      Duplessis, C., et al. (2011). Ceftaroline: A new cephalosporin with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Clinical Medicine Reviews in Therapeutics.

                      Duplessis, C., et al. (2011). Ceftaroline: A New cephalosporin with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Clinical Medicine Reviews in Therapeutics.

                      Martin, T. C. S., et al. (2020). Ceftaroline-associated encephalopathy in patients with severe renal impairment. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                      Norris, A. H., et al. (2018). 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                      Pandey, N., et al. (2023). Beta-lactam antibiotics. StatPearls.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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