Hemostasis in patients with normal and impaired renal function under treatment with cefodizime.

Ten patients (two with normal, eight with impaired renal function) on their usual diet were treated with cefodizime (HR 221) for seven days. The dosage was 4 g/day, adapted to renal function as appropriate. Platelet function, plasma coagulation and vitamin K metabolism were investigated before and on day 7 of therapy. Platelet function and plasma coagulation remained unchanged, regardless of the size of the serum antibiotic trough levels, in both normal and impaired renal function. Vitamin K1 metabolism remained unaffected, since no increase in vitamin K1 2,3 epoxide in the circulation was observed during the therapy. Cefodizime (HR 221), a parenteral aminothiazole cephalosporin, does not affect hemostasis.