Cephalosporin Classes Overview

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.

1st Generation Cephalosporins

• 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.

2nd Generation Cephalosporins

• 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.

3rd Generation Cephalosporins

• 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.

4th Generation Cephalosporins

• 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.

5th Generation Cephalosporins

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