Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Cephalotin (cefalotin)

Cephalotin, also known as cefalotin, is a small molecule antibiotic developed by Lilly and approved by the FDA in 1974. It targets the solute carrier family 22 member 8 and is used to treat various bacterial infections, including those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Cephalotin is a cephalosporin antibiotic, which works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is currently owned by Lilly and has been used to treat a range of infections, including septicemia, genitourinary tract infections, and skin infections. Key safety considerations include its short half-life and low bioavailability.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Bacterial infection due to Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Bacterial septicemia
• Female genital tract infection
• Genitourinary Tract Infections
• Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia
• Infection of bone
• Infection of skin AND/OR subcutaneous tissue
• Infectious disorder of joint
• Lower respiratory tract infection
• Pneumonia
• Pneumonia due to Streptococcus
• Prevention of Perioperative Infection
• Urinary tract infectious disease

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

• Efficacy of Oxybutynin in Paediatric Cystitis (PHASE4)
• Use of Mosquito Net Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repair (NA)
• Undisplaced Femoral Neck Fractures in the Elderly: A Trial Comparing Internal Fixation to Hemiarthroplasty (NA)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Cephalotin CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Cephalotin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Eli Lilly portfolio CI