26 Questions
What is the mechanism of action of cephalosporins?
Inhibition of mucopeptide synthesis in the bacterial cell wall
Which of the following organisms are cephalosporins most effective against?
Rapidly growing organisms forming cell walls
How are first generation cephalosporins classified based on their spectrum of activity?
Based on the order of development
Why are cefoxitin and cefotetan included with the cephalosporins despite being cephamycins?
Because of their clinical and chemical similarity
What makes cephalosporins bactericidal?
Dependence on the rate of organism multiplication
How many generations is the cephalosporin class of drugs divided into based on the order of development?
5
What is the impact of renal function impairment on the half-life of most cephalosporins?
It significantly affects the half-life
When should dosage adjustments be considered for most oral cephalosporin agents?
When GFR reaches less than 30 mL/min
In what scenario should cefotaxime be used instead of ceftriaxone in patients with severe hepatic impairment?
When ceftriaxone is contraindicated
What pregnancy category are cephalosporins classified as?
Category B
Why should the use of cephalosporins during pregnancy be based on a risk/benefit determination?
Relatively few controlled studies exist regarding cephalosporin use in pregnancy
What is the maternal to fetal serum ratio for cephalosporins?
Equal to 1
Which of the following Enterobacteriaceae species are typically resistant to cephalosporins?
Serratia species
What is a unique characteristic of cephamycins compared to other generations of cephalosporins?
Limited activity against anaerobes
Which of the following have increased activity against H. influenzae compared to first generation cephalosporins?
Cefaclor
What is a notable exception regarding the activity of ceftaroline among cephalosporins?
Activity against MRSA
Which of the following cephalosporins is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas?
Cefepime
What is the main concern associated with the use of third generation cephalosporins against uncommon gram-negative pathogens?
Poor ability to detect inducible beta-lactamases
What do second generation cephalosporins have increased activity against compared to first generation cephalosporins?
H. influenzae
Which generation of cephalosporins is known for having activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Fourth generation
Which characteristic is responsible for the resistance of MRSA, DRSP, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium to cephalosporins?
Changes of PBPs preventing binding to receptors
Which cephalosporin is particularly active against most gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, including resistant strains?
Cefepime
Which cephalosporin is advised to be avoided in neonates at risk for hyperbilirubinemia, especially preterm infants, due to high albumin binding?
Ceftriaxone
Which generation of cephalosporins readily enter the CSF in the presence of meningeal inflammation?
Third generation
What is the main route of excretion for most cephalosporins?
Kidney
Which drug combination is used in serious infections and single-dose therapy for sexually transmitted infections to increase cephalosporin plasma concentrations?
Cephalosporins and oral probenecid
Explore the characteristics, generations, and clinical relevance of cephalosporins, a group of beta-lactam antibiotics closely related to penicillins. Learn about cephamycins and carbacephems, as well as the five generations of cephalosporin drugs.
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