Infection, Cephalosporins

Question 1

Cephalosporins penetrate the cerebrospinal fluid poorly unless what?

Answer 1

The meniges are inflamed: cefotaxime and ceftriaxone are suitable cephalosporins for infections of the CNS.

Question 2

The calcium salt of which cephalosporin can form a precipitate in the gall bladder (rarely causing symptoms), which usually resolves upon stopping treatment?

Answer 2

The calcium salt of ceftriaxone forms a precipitate in the gall bladder which may rarely cause symptoms but these usually resolve when the antibiotic is stopped.

Question 3

If a cephalosporin is essential in patients with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin, because a suitable alternative antibacterial is not available, then what can be used?

Answer 3

CefIXIme
CefoTAXime
CefTAZidine
CefTRIAXone
CefuROXime

cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefalexin, cefradine, and ceftaroline fosamil should be avoided.

Question 4

The excretion of cephalosporins is principally what?

Answer 4

Renal

Question 5

Which cephalosporin is only licensed for acute infections?

Answer 5

Cefixime is an orally active ‘third generation’ cephalosporin. It has a longer duration of action than the other cephalosporins that are active by mouth. It is only licensed for acute infections.