Cefotetan

**Semantic type:** Antibiotic|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase-resistant, second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic derived from cephalosporium. The bactericidal activity of cefotetan disodium is caused by an inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis via inhibition of cross-linking of peptidoglycans. This results in a reduction of cell wall stability and causes cell lysis. Cefotetan disodium is more active against gram-negative organisms and less active against gram-positive organisms compared to first-generation cephalosporins.

**Synonyms:** - CEFOTETAN - ICI 156,834 - ICI-156834