Cefetamet pivoxil is an oral third-generation cephalosporin which is hydrolysed to form the active agent, cefetamet. Cefetamet has excellent in vitro activity against the major respiratory pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis and group A beta-haemolytic streptococci; it is active against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis, but has poor activity against penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae. Cefetamet has marked activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and possesses a broad spectrum of activity against Enterobacteriaceae. Both staphylococci and Pseudomonas spp. are resistant to cefetamet. Cefetamet pivoxil has been investigated in the treatment of both upper and lower community-acquired respiratory tract infections and has demonstrated equivalent efficacy to a number of more established agents, namely cefaclor, amoxicillin and cefixime. In patients with group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis, a 7-day course of cefetamet pivoxil was as effective as a 10-day course of the standard agent, phenoxymethylpenicillin, in this indication. In complicated urinary tract infections, cefetamet pivoxil showed similar efficacy to cefadroxil, cefaclor and cefuroxime axetil. Cefetamet pivoxil was effective in the treatment of otitis media, pneumonia, pharyngotonsillitis and urinary tract infections in children. Preliminary data indicate that single dose cefetamet pivoxil can effectively eradicate N. gonorrhoeae from both men and women. Cefetamet pivoxil has a tolerability profile similar to that of other oral cephalosporins, with gastrointestinal effects being the most commonly reported adverse events. To date, no symptoms of carnitine deficiency have been reported with cefetamet pivoxil. Cefetamet pivoxil offers effective alternative oral therapy for outpatient treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, with the advantage of improved activity against H. influenzae and increased beta-lactamase stability. However, its use in areas with a high incidence of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae is likely to be limited. Cefetamet pivoxil is also effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections, although further trials are required to define any comparative advantages over other oral agents.