Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: TOTACILLIN versus UNIPEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: TOTACILLIN versus UNIPEN.
TOTACILLIN vs UNIPEN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Bactericidal: inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting transpeptidation. Active against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria.
Unipen (nafcillin) is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), blocking transpeptidation and autolysin inhibition.
250-500 mg orally every 6 hours or 1-2 g intravenously every 4-6 hours.
500 mg to 2 g orally or intravenously every 4 to 6 hours; maximum 12 g/day IV for serious infections.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 1.0-1.5 hours in normal renal function. Extended to 2-6 hours in renal impairment; requires dose adjustment when CrCl <30 mL/min.
0.5-1 hour in normal renal function; prolonged to 7-10 hours in anuria or severe renal impairment.
Renal: 90-95% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Biliary/fecal: <5% as unchanged drug and metabolites.
Renal: 70-90% unchanged via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration; biliary: minor (<10%); fecal: minimal.
Category C
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic