How do you take Ceftaroline fosamil?

This is not a tablet; it is given as a drip (IV infusion) in a hospital or clinic. The usual adult dose is 600 mg every 12 hours, infused slowly into your vein over about 1 hour. A course of treatment usually lasts 5 to 14 days depending on the infection. Only a trained healthcare worker should prepare and give this drug.

What are the side effects of Ceftaroline fosamil?

Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, headache, rash or itching on the skin

Who should not take Ceftaroline fosamil?

People who are allergic to ceftaroline, cephalosporin antibiotics, or any ingredient in Zinforo should not take it. People with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin should inform their doctor before use, as there may be cross-reactivity. People with serious kidney problems need a lower dose, which your doctor must adjust.

Prescription

Antibiotic (Cephalosporin, 5th generation)

Ceftaroline fosamil

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Ceftaroline fosamil (sold as Zinforo in Nigeria) is a strong antibiotic given through a drip (injection into your vein) that kills bacteria by stopping them from building their protective walls, causing them to die.

How it works

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) with enhanced affinity, preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking and causing cell wall disruption in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

What is it used for?

Serious skin infections, skin boils and abscesses that have spread, community-acquired pneumonia (serious lung infection caught outside the hospital)

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Bacterial Infections Sepsis & Severe Infections

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Always complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better, as stopping early can make the infection come back stronger and harder to treat. This drug should only be given in a hospital or clinic by trained professionals, not bought or self-administered. Do not buy injectable antibiotics from roadside vendors or patent medicine stores, as counterfeit products are dangerous.

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea
nausea or vomiting
headache
rash or itching on the skin

Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, widespread rash): go to the hospital immediately. Severe watery or bloody diarrhea that won't stop
which may be a sign of a dangerous gut infection called C. difficile. Seizures (fits) in rare cases: seek emergency help right away.

Drug Interactions

Using ceftaroline with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding, and your doctor should monitor you closely. Taking it alongside other antibiotics that can affect the kidneys (like vancomycin) may increase the chance of kidney problems. Always tell your doctor about every medication you are taking, including herbal remedies.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

There is not enough safety data for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so only use this drug if your doctor decides the benefit is greater than the risk to the baby.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to ceftaroline
cephalosporin antibiotics
or any ingredient in Zinforo should not take it. People with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin should inform their doctor before use
as there may be cross-reactivity. People with serious kidney problems need a lower dose
which your doctor must adjust.

How to Store

The powder should be stored below 25°C, and in Nigeria's heat, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once mixed with fluid for the drip, it must be used within a few hours or refrigerated and used within 24 hours. Always keep out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.