Cephalosporins:

• Broad spectrum ß-lactam antibiotics

• Vary in their susceptibility to ß-lactamases.

• Vary in their activity: 3^rd generation cephalosporins have more Gram-negative cover, but less Gram-positive cover.

  NUH stocks:

  • 1^st generation cephalosporins:           Cefradine

  • 2^nd generation cephalosporins:          Cefuroxime

  • 3^rd generation cephalosporins:           Ceftazidime, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone.

   

• Ceftazidime is the only cephalosporin with anti-pseudomonal activity

• Cefotaxime is restricted for use in neonates only.

• Ceftriaxone is reserved for the treatment of bacterial meningitis.

Cephalosporins should not to be used in patients with a serious penicillin allergy (e.g. anaphylaxis).

Page last edited: 10/03/2008

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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