Cephalosporins Flashcards
What are examples of cephalosporins?
- Cefalexin
- Cefotaxime
- Meropenem
- Ertapenem
What bacteria to cephalosporins act against?
Broad Spectrum
How do cephalosporins and carbapenems work?
Antimicrobial effect is due to their β-lactam ring - inhibit enzymes responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycans in bacterial cell walls
What are important adverse side effects of cephalsporins and carbepenems?
- GI upset
- Antibiotic associated colitis
- Hypersensitivity
- CNS toxicity - Seizures
What patient group should carbepenems be used with caution in?
- Epileptics
- Those at risk of C. diff
- Renal impairment
What are the main drugs which cephalosporins and carbepenems interact with?
- Warfarin
- Aminoglycosides
- Valproate
How do cephalosporins and carbepenems interact with warfarin?
Enhance anticoagulant by killing gut flora that synthesise vit K
How do cephalosporins interact with aminoglycosides?
Increase the nephrotoxic effect
How do carbepenems interact with valproate?
Increase plasma concentration and efficacy
How often are cephalosporins prescribed?
6-12 hrly
How can carbepenems be administered?
Only IV
How can cephalosporins be administered?
- Oral
- IM
- IV
