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CLASSIFICATION OF CEPHALOSPORINS
INTRODUCTION
Grouped into "generations" based on their spectrum of antimicrobial
activity.
Newer generation has significantly greater gram-negative
antimicrobial properties.
Successive generations have increased activity against gram-negative
bacteria.
Cephalosporins are derived from cephalosporin C which is an
acid-stable molecule.
FIRST GENERATION
Are moderate spectrum agents.
Effective for treating staphylococcal and streptococcal infections and
for skin and soft-tissue infections, as well as for streptococcal
pharyngitis.
Have activity against some Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae
and Proteus mirabilis
FIRST GENERATION CEPHALOSPORINS

Cefadroxil.
Cephalexin.
Cephaloridine.
Cephalothin.
Cephapirin.
Cefazolin.
Cephradine.
SECOND GENERATION
Have a greater gram-negative spectrum.

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More resistant to beta-lactamase.

Useful agents for treating upper and lower respiratory tract infections,
sinusitis and otitis media.
Cefoxitin is a second generation cephalosporin with anaerobic activity.
SECOND GENERATION CEPHALOSPORINS

Cefaclor.
Cefoxitin.
Cefprozil.
Cefuroxime.
THIRD GENERATION
Have a broad spectrum of activity and increased activity against
gram-negative organisms.
Have excellent activity against most strains of Streptococcus
pneumoniae.
Have activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
THIRD GENERATION CEPHALOSPORINS

Cefdinir.
Cefixime.
Cefpodoxime.
Ceftibuten.
Ceftriaxone.
Cefotaxime.
FOURTH GENERATION
Have a greater resistance to beta-lactamases than the third generation
cephalosporins.
Can cross blood brain barrier and are effective in meningitis.
Cefpirome is more active against pneumococci.
Activity against nosocomial pathogens such as Enterobacter and

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Acinetobacte.
FOURTH GENERATION CEPHALOSPORINS

Cefepime.
Cefluprenam.
Cefozopran.
Cefpirome.
Cefquinome.
OTHER CEPHALOSPORINS
CARBAPENEMS

Bactericidal antibiotic
Active against gram-positive and gram-negitive aerobicand anaerobic
pathogenic bacteria.
Resist the hydrolysis by most beta-lactamases
IMIPENEM

Used to treat septicaemia

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