Cephalosporins
Start with the big picture
Cephalosporins bind penicillin-binding proteins and inhibit peptidoglycan cross-linking, producing bactericidal, time-dependent activity. Their coverage changes across generations: early agents are associated with MSSA and selected common pathogens, while later generations broaden Gram-negative coverage; ceftaroline is a notable MRSA-active exception. Individual drugs also have distinct clinical roles, such as cefazolin in surgical prophylaxis, ceftazidime against Pseudomonas, and ceftriaxone in meningitis. Key limitations include gaps in coverage, renal dose adjustment for most agents, and adverse effects such as hypersensitivity, C. difficile colitis, or agent-specific reactions. Resistance can involve β-lactamases, altered PBPs, or porin loss.
What you'll learn
- Explain how cephalosporins inhibit bacterial cell-wall synthesis.
- Compare hallmark coverage and clinical uses across cephalosporin generations.
- Identify important coverage gaps and the MRSA exception.
- Recognize notable adverse effects and agent-specific safety concerns.
- Describe major mechanisms of cephalosporin resistance.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
