Cephalothin is a broad spectrum antibiotic for parenteral administration.
Assayable levels are not achieved after oral administration of cephalothin. Effectiveness of orally administered cephalothin has not been demonstrated in the treatment of enteric infections or in preoperative bowel preparation. The antibiotic passes readily into other body fluids, e.g., pleural, joint, and ascitic fluids. Studies of amniotic fluid and cord blood show prompt transfer of the drug across the placenta. All plasma levels in the infants were far below those of the mother.