A suspicious case of cefmetazole-induced hypoprothrombinemia

Abstract

Cefmetazole occasionally prolongs the prothrombin time. The mechanism is considered to be because of (i) inhibition of vitamin K metabolism, (ii) a lack of vitamin K, and (iii) low vitamin K stores. We report the death of a 93-year-old woman who was administered cefmetazole and exhibited a prolonged prothrombin time. When using cefmetazole in elderly patients, PT-INR should be monitored every few days.