Cephalosporin Classes Overview

Cephalosporins are classified into generations based on their spectrum of activity and chemical structure.
Each generation has different effectiveness against bacteria and is used for various infections.

Primarily effective against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria.
Common agents include:
- Cephazolin: Often used for surgical prophylaxis.
- Cephalexin: Administered for skin infections and respiratory tract infections.
- Cefadroxil: Similar uses to Cephalexin, available in a once-daily dosing form.

Broader spectrum against Gram-negative bacteria compared to the first generation.
Key agents include:
- Cefoxitin: Effective against anaerobes; commonly used in intra-abdominal infections.
- Cefaclor: Used for respiratory tract and urinary tract infections.
- Cefprozil: Used for skin and respiratory infections, effective against certain resistant strains.
- Cefuroxime: Used for respiratory, ear, and skin infections; has oral and injectable forms.
- Cefotetan: Noted for effectiveness against anaerobic bacteria.
- Cefamandole: Can be used in serious infections, though less commonly prescribed now.

Increased Gram-negative coverage, including some strains resistant to earlier generations.
Main agents include:
- Ceftriaxone: Broad-spectrum; often used in severe infections such as meningitis.
- Cefotaxime: Commonly utilized for various infections, including sepsis.
- Cefpodoxime: Available orally, used for respiratory and urinary tract infections.
- Ceftibuten: Effective for respiratory infections, convenient oral form.
- Cefdinir: Used for skin infections and otitis media in children.
- Ceftizoxime: Has a broad-spectrum coverage; effective against resistant strains.
- Ceftazidime: Notable for activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Extended spectrum, with effectiveness against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as resistant strains.
Cefepime: Used in serious infections and for hospital-acquired pathogens; provides broad-spectrum coverage.

Designed to combat resistant Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA.
Ceftaroline: The only cephalosporin effective against MRSA; used in skin infections and community-acquired pneumonia.