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Cephalosporins: an update
1Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA.
Pediatrics in Review
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Cephalosporins are widely prescribed antimicrobial drugs, varying in effectiveness against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Their use is limited by bacterial resistance and high costs, necessitating careful selection by physicians.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cephalosporins represent the largest and most varied class of antimicrobial agents.
- Despite not being first-choice drugs, they are frequently prescribed for bacterial infections in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.
- To discuss their spectrum of activity, clinical use, and limitations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cephalosporins.
- Analysis of their antimicrobial spectrum, efficacy, and safety profiles.
Main Results:
- First-generation cephalosporins are most potent against Gram-positive bacteria.
- Third- and fourth-generation agents exhibit broader activity against Gram-negative pathogens but are less effective against Gram-positive bacteria like S. aureus.
- Cephalosporins are generally well-tolerated, with palatable oral formulations.
Conclusions:
- Physician knowledge of a select few cephalosporins is recommended over familiarity with the entire class.
- Increasing bacterial resistance and high costs, particularly for newer agents, are significant limitations to cephalosporin use.