Ceftaroline Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 13, 2024.

Applies to ceftaroline: intravenous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of ceftaroline

Along with its needed effects, ceftaroline 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 while taking ceftaroline:

More common side effects

• 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 side effects

• 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

Other side effects of ceftaroline

Some side effects of ceftaroline 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 side effects

• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• flushed, dry skin fruit-like breath odor
• increased hunger
• increased urination
• sweating
• unexplained weight loss
• welts

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ceftaroline: intravenous powder for injection.

General adverse events

The most common side effects reported in adults using this drug were diarrhea, headache, nausea, pruritus, and rash.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Direct antiglobulin test/Coombs test seroconversion (up to 32.3%), positive direct Coombs test
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin time, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, increased INR
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Agranulocytosis, eosinophilia^[Ref]

In clinical trials, direct antiglobulin test seroconversion was reported in 10.7% of adult patients using this drug every 12 hours (600 mg infused over 1 hour every 12 hours) and in 32.3% of those using this drug every 8 hours (600 mg infused over 2 hours every 8 hours). Seroconversion from negative to positive direct Coombs test result was reported in 17.9% of children using this drug.

Agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, and leukopenia have also been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Clostridioides difficile colitis
• Frequency not reported: C difficile-associated diarrhea, dyspepsia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus, generalized pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria

Beta-lactam antibiotics (including cephalosporins):

• Postmarketing reports: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms [DRESS], acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis)^[Ref]

In clinical trials using this drug every 12 hours or every 8 hours, rash was common; however, in a subgroup of Asian patients using this drug every 8 hours, rash was very common (18.5%).^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Convulsion
• Postmarketing reports: Encephalopathy^[Ref]

Risk of encephalopathy was higher in patients with renal dysfunction receiving doses of this drug that were not appropriately reduced.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia
• Frequency not reported: Decreased appetite, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Phlebitis, hypertension, increased blood pressure
• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, palpitations^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased transaminases, increased ALT
• Frequency not reported: Abnormal hepatic function, hepatitis, increased AST^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia
• Frequency not reported: Asthenia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site reactions (erythema, phlebitis, pain)

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity (e.g., urticaria, lip and face swelling), anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported with beta-lactam antibacterials.^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased blood creatinine
• Frequency not reported: Renal failure^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Postmarketing reports: Eosinophilic pneumonia

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Further information

Ceftaroline side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer