Development of Meningitis During Cephalothin Therapy

Five patients developed meningitis while receiving cephalothin. Three other cases of this complication have been previously reported. Patients with bacteremia and debilitating chronic disease seem to be more susceptible to meningitis. This complication appears to be due, among other possible factors, to poor penetration of cephalothin across the blood-brain barrier. Patients with bacteremia who are receiving cephalothin or any other antibiotic that does not easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier should be closely observed for the development of meningitis.