Cephalosporins

Question 1

Drugs of the class Cephalosporins

Answer 1

Cephradine/ Cefradine

Question 2

Indications of Cephalosporins

Answer 2

Second and third line urinary and respiratory tract infections.

Intravenous cephalosporins and carbapenams reserved for severe or complicated infection

or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms

Question 3

Mechanism of action of Cephalosporins

Answer 3

Like Penicillin they have beta lactams ring. Cross linking peptidoglycans in bacterial cell walls.

This weakens cell wall which promotes swelling lysis death.

They have a broad spectrum of action

Question 4

Side effects of Cephalosporins

Answer 4

GI upset (nausuea, diarrhea)

Antibiotic associated collitis

Hypersensitivity - same as penicillin ones

CNS toxicity including seizures

Question 5

Warnings of Cephalosporins

Answer 5

Px with risk of C. Diff

Allergy to penicillin –> anaphylactic shock

Epilepsy

Renal impairment

Question 6

Interactions of Cephalosporins

Answer 6

Enhance anticoagulant effect of warfarin because they kill gut flora that synthesises vit K

Cephalosporins may increase nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides

Carbapenams reduce plasma concetration and efficacy of valproate