Methicillin

Abstract

Methicillin was the first semisynthetic penicillinase-resistant penicillin. It has been withdrawn from the market in the United States because of the high incidence of interstitial nephritis associated with its use. It is administered intramuscularly or intravenously for the treatment of gram-positive aerobic cocci. Methicillin is resistant to inactivation by most staphylococcal penicillinases and is active against many penicillinase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis that are resistant to other penicillins. A variety of streptococcus species are inhibited by methicillin. It is used primarily for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis.