Cephalosporins

Question 1

mechanism of action

Answer 1

• works/has similar structure to PENICILLIN
• is BACTERICIDAL; interferes with BACTERIAL CELL WALL SYNTHESIS
  **also considered a BETA-LACTAM antibiotic

Question 2

what is UNIQUE about cephalosporins?

Answer 2

• has various GENERATIONS that can kill similar spectrums of bacteria
• there are FIVE GENERATIONS

Question 3

indications/contraindications/adverse effects/interactions

Answer 3

all quite similar to PENICILLIN
**key differences
*cephalosporins have a BROADER spectrum of range, mainly targeting more gram-negative bacteria
**can cause DISULFIRAM-LIKE reactions when taken with ALCOHOL

Question 4

cefoxitin

Answer 4

• used as a PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTIC before abdominal surgeries
• is a 2nd-gen

Question 5

cefuroxime (zinacef)

Answer 5

• does NOT kill anaerobic bacteria
• type of PRODRUG; needs to be first hydrolyzed in the liver
• treats bronchitis, lyme disease, skin/ear/throat infections
• 2nd gen

Question 6

first-gen cephalosporins

Answer 6

• mainly treat UPPER RESPIRATORY and SKIN INFECTIONS
• primary - GRAM positive, some gram-negative

Question 7

second-gen cephalosporins

Answer 7

• similar coverage of gram-positive, more GRAM-NEG
• upper respiratory, skin, intra-abdominal infections

Question 8

third-gen cephalosporins

Answer 8

• most POTENT of the first three in fighting GRAM-NEGATIVE
• treatment for pneumonia, meningitis, endocarditis, UTIs, sepsis

Question 9

ceftazidime

Answer 9

• THIRD GEN
• aids in treating difficult infections (Pseudomonas)
• combo groups with AVIBACTAM (new beta-lactamase inhibitor)

Question 10

ceftriaxone

Answer 10

• very LONG ACTING DRUG
• THIRD GEN
• IV/IM
• treatment for MENINGITIS
• able to be bound to plasma proteins/metabolizes in INTESTINE

Question 11

fourth gen cephalosporins

Answer 11

only talking about one;

• CEFEPIME:
  
  • close resemblance to CEFTAZIDIME in its acvitivty
  • increased activity against ENTEROBACTER SPECIES
  • used to treat UTIs, skin infections, pneumonia
  • can only be injected

Question 12

ceftaroline

Answer 12

• considered the NEWEST CEPHALOSPORIN
• very effective against many; is the ONLY CEPHALOSPORIN that can help treat MRSA
• only infected
• treatment for pyelonephritis