Cephalosporins Flashcards
What are the indications for cephalosporins?
Biliary tract infections
Meningitis
Peritonitis
Pneumonia
Septicaemia
UTI
What is the risk with hypersensitivity?
There is cross sensitivity with patients that are allergic to penicillin due to the beta lactam ring
What percentage of patients allergic to penicillin will be allergic to cephalosporins?
0.5 to 6.5%
What is the mode of action?
Inhibit bacteria cell wall synthesis
Bactericidal
What bacteria are cephalosporins active against?
Gram positive in the first generation but as you go up the generations they become more active against gram negative
What are the interactions with cephalosporins?
No big interactions but ceftriaxone can increase the risk of bleeding events when given with warfarin.
Can cephalosporins be used in pregnancy?
Yes
What cephalosporins can cross the BBB and why is that good?
Cerfriaxone and ceftaxime (3rd gen) and this is good as suitable for infections of the CNS such as meningitis
What generation can be used with caution in patients with penicillin allergies
third
What are the side effects specific to cephalosporins that we need to watch out for?
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia,
Leucopenia
Psuedomembraneous enterocolitis
