PMID: 9557062Apr 29, 1998Paper

Cephalosporins: an update

Pediatrics in Review
C G Prober

Abstract

The cephalosporins are the largest and most diverse family of antimicrobial agents available. Although they rarely are considered drugs of first choice for the therapy of bacterial infections, they are the most commonly prescribed agents for both ambulatory and hospitalized patients. The first-generation agents have the most limited spectrum of bactericidal activity, but they are the most potent against Gram-positive microbes. The third- and fourth-generation agents have a broad spectrum of activity that includes the majority of Gram-negative pathogens. However, they are less active than their first-generation counterparts against Gram-positive bacteria, especially S aureus. The cephalosporins generally are well tolerated, and the oral agents are palatable. However, their use is limited by increasing resistance among certain groups of bacteria and high cost, especially of the parenteral and recently licensed oral agents. The prudent physician need not be familiar with all cephalosporins, but should be knowledgeable about a select few.

Citations

Aug 5, 2008·Pediatrics in Review·Christopher J Harrison, Denise Bratcher
Nov 5, 2013·Pediatrics in Review·Sarah ParkerJason Child
Apr 1, 2002·Paediatrics & Child Health·Jm Langley, S Halperin
Sep 12, 2012·Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology·Josefina R Cernadas

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