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)