Drug Class - Cephalosporins Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Cephalosporins are what kind of antibiotics?

Beta-lactam

What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of cephalosporins?

Bactericidal - inhibit cell wall synthesis

First generation cephalosporin agents have gram positive or negative activity?

Gram positive with lesser gram negative activity

Third generation cephalosporins have primarily gram positive or negative activity?

Gram negative Signup and view all the answers

What organisms are intrinsically resistant to most cephalosporin agents?

Enterococcal organisms Signup and view all the answers

In patients with what condition should you adjust the dose of cephalosporins?

CrCL < 50 mL/min Signup and view all the answers

What two cephalosporin agents produce good CSF concentrations?

Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime Signup and view all the answers

Cephalosporins penetrate well into what tissue?

Bone Signup and view all the answers

All cephalosporins cross which barrier?

The placenta Signup and view all the answers

Most cephalosporins are eliminated via which organ?

Kidneys (renally) Signup and view all the answers

Which cephalosporin agent is extensively metabolized by the liver?

Ceftriaxone Signup and view all the answers

What are the common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of cephalosporins?

Rash, GI intolerance, interstitial nephritis, hemolytic anemia Signup and view all the answers

Cefdinir, used for OM, may cause what ADR?

Red stools Signup and view all the answers

Ceftriaxone may cause what type of reaction?

Disulfiram-like reaction Signup and view all the answers

Cephalosporins have cross sensitivity with which class of antibiotics?

PCNs (penicillins) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three agents in the first generation of cephalosporins?

Cefazolin, Cephalexin, Cefadroxil Signup and view all the answers

What organisms do first-generation cephalosporins cover?

Excellent against gram-positive aerobes; some gram-negative activity Signup and view all the answers

First-generation cephalosporins have no activity against which organisms?

Pseudomonas species, MRSA, Anaerobes Signup and view all the answers

Main uses of first-generation cephalosporins?

Surgical prophylaxis, cellulitis, diabetic foot infections, UTI Signup and view all the answers

Which first-generation cephalosporin is the drug of choice for surgical prophylaxis?

Cefazolin Signup and view all the answers

Which first-generation cephalosporin is the drug of choice for skin infections?

Cephalexin Signup and view all the answers

What are the three agents in the second generation of cephalosporins (Group I)?

Cefuroxime, Cefaclor, Cefprozil Signup and view all the answers

Second generation cephalosporins (Group I) cover what organisms and have more gram ___ coverage?

More gram-negative coverage than first-generation Signup and view all the answers

Main uses of second generation cephalosporins (Group I)?

URI, LRI, OM Signup and view all the answers

Second generation cephalosporins (Group I) do not have good ___ penetration?

CNS penetration Signup and view all the answers

Which second generation cephalosporin (Group I) can be given every 8 hours to help with compliance?

Cefaclor Signup and view all the answers

What are the agents in the second generation of cephalosporins (Group II)?

Cefoxitin, Cefotetan Signup and view all the answers

Second generation cephalosporins (Group II) cover what organisms?

Particularly active against gram-negative anaerobes Signup and view all the answers

Main uses of second generation cephalosporins (Group II)?

Intra-abdominal infections, gynecologic infections (PID), diabetic foot infections Signup and view all the answers

What are the concerning ADRs associated with Cefotetan?

Hypoprothrombinemia, disulfiram-like reaction Signup and view all the answers

What are the two agents in the third generation of cephalosporins?

Ceftazidime, Ceftazidime/avibactam Signup and view all the answers

Ceftazidime is our go-to drug for what organisms/infections?

Antipseudomonal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cephalosporins Overview

Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics
Bactericidal, inhibit cell wall synthesis

Generations of Cephalosporins

First generation: gram-positive with lesser gram-negative activity
Second generation: more gram-negative (anaerobe) coverage than first-generation
Third generation: primarily gram-negative activity

Spectrum of Activity

First generation: excellent against gram-positive aerobes, some gram-negative activity
Second generation: covers strep, E.coli, H.influenza, pneumonia, M.catarrhalis
Third generation: antipseudomonal, good coverage for pseudomonas

Resistance

Enterococcal organisms are intrinsically resistant to most cephalosporins
Poor coverage for Listeria, atypical bacteria, MRSA

Pharmacokinetics

Cephalosporins penetrate well into bone
All cephalosporins cross the placenta
Most are eliminated via the kidneys (renally)

Dosing

Dose adjustment required in patients with CrCL < 50 mL/min
Ceftriaxone requires dose adjustment in hepatic disease

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)

Common ADRs: rash, GI intolerance, interstitial nephritis, hemolytic anemia
Cefdinir may cause red stools
Ceftriaxone may cause disulfiram-like reaction

Cross-Sensitivity

Cephalosporins have cross-sensitivity with penicillins (PCN's)
Patients with severe reactions to PCN's should avoid cephalosporins

First Generation Cephalosporins

Agents: Cefazolin, Cephalexin, Cefadroxil
Main uses: surgical prophylaxis, cellulitis, diabetic foot infections, UTI

Second Generation Cephalosporins

Group I agents: Cefuroxime, Cefaclor, Cefprozil
Group II agents: Cefoxitin, Cefotetan
Main uses: URI, LRI, OM, intra-abdominal infections, gynecologic infections

Third Generation Cephalosporins

Agents: Ceftazidime, Ceftazidime/avibactam
Main use: antipseudomonal infections

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Test your knowledge of cephalosporin antibiotics with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts such as the mechanism of action, classifications, and bacterial activity. Perfect for pharmacology students and those interested in antibiotics.