How Do Third-generation Cephalosporins Work?

Cephalosporins are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to manage a widerangeofbacterialinfections. They are derived from themoldAcremonium (previously called Cephalosporium). Cephalosporins are grouped into five generations based on their spectrum of coverage againstgram-positive andgram-negativebacteria. They are administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally depending on theinfection.

Third-generation cephalosporins are more effective against gram-negative bacteria than the first and second generations. They are usually effective against bacteria that may be resistant to previous generations of cephalosporins.

Cephalosporins inhibit bacterialcellwallsynthesis. The bacterial cell wall is strengthened by the cross-linking of peptidoglycans with the help ofpenicillin-bindingproteins. Cephalosporins have beta-lactam rings that bind with penicillin-binding proteins and block them. The cross-linking of peptidoglycans is then hampered, and the cell wall is not formed, resultinginthedeathof the bacterial cell.

Third-generation cephalosporins are used to treat:

• Intra-abdominalInfection
• Central nervous systeminfections
• Skinand softtissueinfections
• Urinary tractinfections
• Lowerrespiratorytract infections
• Gynecological infections
• Boneandjointinfections
• Sepsis(a life-threateningcomplicationof an infection)

Side effects associated with third-generation cephalosporins include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Injection siteinflammation
• Nauseaand vomiting
• Skinrash
• Leukopenia(decreased whitebloodcells)
• Thrombocytopenia(decreasedplatelets)
• Decreased appetite
• Swelling oftongueandthroat
• Difficulty inbreathing

Serious side effects may include:

• Majorhypersensitivity
• Drug-inducedimmunehemolytic anemia(DIIHA)
• Pseudomembranous colitis(swelling or inflammation of thelarge intestine)
• Suppression of gutflorathat leads to a reduction invitamin Ksynthesis
• Bleeding
• Disulfiram like reaction (caused by increased acetaldehyde which causesalcoholintolerance)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Names of third-generation cephalosporins include:

• Avycaz
• Cedax
• Cefdinir
• Cefditoren
• Cefixime
• Cefizox
• Cefotaxime
• Cefpodoxime
• Ceftazidime
• Ceftazidime/avibactam
• Ceftibuten
• Ceftizoxime
• Ceftriaxone
• Claforan
• Fortaz
• Rocephin
• Spectracef
• Suprax
• Tazicef
• Tazidime
• Vantin