2. Cephalosporins

Question 1

Cephalosporins are broad spectrum or narrow spectrum

Answer 1

Broad-spectrum

Question 2

Cephalosporin mechanism of action

Answer 2

Prevents peptidoglycan cross-linking in bacterial cell walls - bactericidal

Question 3

Examples of cephalosporins

Answer 3

Question 4

Cephalosporin counselling/label

Answer 4

AFTER FOOD:
cefuroxime: Should be taken with or just after a meal

Question 5

Common side effects of cephalosporins

Answer 5

Antibiotic colitis more common with 3rth and 4th generation cephalosporins.

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, eisonophelia, leucopenia

Question 6

Why must you be careful when administering cephalosporins and pencillins? What can be given instead?

Answer 6

Patients with immediate hypersensitivity to pencillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics and other beta-lactams should not be given a cephalosporin.

If no other treatment 3rd generation cephalosporins or cefuroxime can be given.

Question 7

Describe cefuroxime axetil’s absorption

Answer 7

Poorly absorbed and therefore given with food

Question 8

Orally active cephalosporins

Answer 8

First and third generation cephalosporins

Question 9

Apropriateness of cephalosporins in pregnancy

Answer 9

Cephalosporins are suitable for use in pregnancy

Question 10

Cephalosporin interactions

Answer 10

Nephrotoxicity - Increased risk of nephrotoxicity when cephalosporins are taking at the same time with nephrotoxic drugs such a NSAIDs, methotrexate.

Cephalosporins also increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, by killing normal gut flora that synthesize vitamin K.