Third & Fourth Generation Cephalosporins

Question 1

Examples:

Answer 1

1. Ceftriaxone (3rd): Long half-life, Once-daily dosing
2. Ceftazidime (3rd)
3. Cefepime (4th)

Question 2

Ceftriaxone - Spectrum:

Answer 2

1. Most gram-positive bacteria - Staphylococcus & Streptococcus
2. Most enteric gram-negative rods
3. NO activity against Pseudomonas

Question 3

Ceftriaxone - Indications:

Answer 3

1. Bacterial pneumonia
2. Bacterial meningitis
3. Skin and soft tissue infections
4. UTIs

Question 4

Ceftazidime - Spectrum:

Answer 4

1. Limited activity against gram-positive cocci
2. Gram-negative bacteria - including Pseudomonas

Question 5

Ceftazidime & Cefepime - Indications:

Answer 5

1. Pseudomonas infections - including pneumonias, skin infections, and sepsis

Question 6

Cefepime - Spectrum:

Answer 6

1. Gram-positive cocci
2. Gram-negative rods - including Pseudomonas

Question 7

S/E (ALL Cephalosporins):

Answer 7

1. Diarrhoea
2. Avoided in patients who are anaphylactic to penicillins

Question 8

S/E - Ceftriaxone:

Answer 8

1. May cause abdominal pain - d/t bile sludging
2. Should NOT be given to newborns