Third generation cephalosporin antibiotics in surgical practice

The new third generation cephalosporins have a significantly greater spectrum of action against gram-negative bacteria likely to be encountered in surgical infections. This expanded spectrum may permit these drugs to be used in place of combination therapy in patients with polymicrobial infections; however, current evidence does not indicate superior results with these agents over earlier generation choices for surgical prophylaxis. The toxicity profile of these drugs warrants close monitoring for serious complications.