CLASSES OF ABX: CEPHALASPORINS Flashcards
First generation cephalasporins
- Cefradoxil
- Cefalexin
- Cefradin
Second generation cephalasporins
- Cefuroxime
- Cefoxitin
- Cefaclor
3rd gen
Cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone are
What spectrum is their activity?
Broad spectrum
Third and fifth generation cephalasporins
- All parenteral apart from oral cefixime
MOA
Prevent cell wall synthesis by binding to enzymes called penicillin binding proteins (PBPs).
What bacteria do cephalosporins have activity against?
Gram-positive + Gram-negative activity.
How are cephalosporins excreted?
renally
Indications
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Gonorrhoea
- UTIs
can they penetrate the CSF
poorly unless meninges are inflamed
name the 2 cephalosporins that are suitable for infections of CNS e.g. meningitis
cefotaxime
ceftriaxone
Side effects
- Antibiotic-associated colitis (rare but more common with the 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins).
Cautions and contraindications
- Hypersensitivity (about 0.5-6% of penicillin-sensitive patients will also be allergic to cephalosporins).
Hyperesensitivity to penicillins and cephalosporins relation
Patients with hypersensitivity to penicillin and other bet lactams should not receive cephalosporin due to cross sensitivity
if a cephalosporin is essential in patients with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin, because a suitable alternative antibacterial is not available, then the following FIVE cephalosporins can be used with caution
cefotaxime
cefixime
ceftazidime
ceftriaxone
cefuroxime
