Cephalosporins Drug Classes Flashcards

Cephalosporins Overview

• Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics categorized into generations based on their spectrum of activity.
• Each generation typically offers improved resistance to beta-lactamases and an expanded spectrum against Gram-negative bacteria.

First Generation Cephalosporins

• Includes cephalexin, cefadroxil, cefazolin (IV), and cephradine.
• Effective predominantly against Gram-positive bacteria.

Second Generation Cephalosporins

• Comprises cefprozil, cefaclor, cefuroxime (oral and IV), cefoxitin, cefotetan, and loracarbef.
• Offers additional Gram-negative coverage compared to first generation.

Third Generation Cephalosporins - Oral

• Consists of cefdinir, cefixime, ceftibuten, and cefpodoxime proxetil.
• Provides broader Gram-negative activity, including coverage for some resistant strains.

Third Generation Cephalosporins - Parenteral

• Contains ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftizoxime.
• Typically used to treat severe infections due to their enhanced activity against resistant organisms.

Fourth Generation Cephalosporin

• The single member is cefepime.
• Offers robust activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Fifth Generation Cephalosporins

• Includes ceftaroline fosamil (IV) and candidate drug ceftobiprole.
• Primarily effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

General Notes

• Only generic names and the corresponding class are required for examinations; brand names are not necessary.
• Familiarity with the brand names can aid in understanding but is not essential for classification.

Generic and Brand Name Associations

• Cephalexin - Brand: Keflex
• Cefadroxil - Brand: Duricef
• Cefazolin - Brand: Ancef (IV)
• Cefprozil - Brand: Cefzil
• Cefaclor - Brand: Ceclor
• Cefuroxime - Brand: Kefurox (IV)
• Cefuroxime axetil - Brand: Ceftin
• Cefoxitin - Brand: Mefoxin (IV cephamycin)
• Cefotetan - Brand: Cefotan (IV cephamycin)
• Cefdinir - Brand: Omnicef
• Cefixime - Brand: Suprax
• Ceftibuten - Brand: Cedax
• Cefpodoxime proxetil - Brand: Vantin
• Ceftriaxone - Brand: Rocephin (IV)
• Cefotaxime - Brand: Claforan (IV)
• Ceftazidime - Brands: Fortaz, Tazicef, Tazodime (IV)
• Cefepime - Brand: Maxipime (IV)

Test your knowledge of cephalosporins with these flashcards covering the different generations of these antibiotics. Each card features definitions and examples for first, second, and third generation cephalosporins. Ideal for pharmacy students and medical professionals.