antibioticsbooks

First-Generation
Cephalosporins
Agents: cefazolin, cephalexin, cefadroxil,
cephalothin
First-generation cephalosporins are the most commonly
used class of antibiotics in the hospital.
Why? They are used immediately prior to surgery
to prevent surgical site infections. Their spectrum
of activity, inexpensive cost, and low incidence of
adverse effects make them ideal for this purpose.
For the same reasons, they are useful in treating
skin and skin structure infections as well.
Mechanism of Action
All beta-lactams inhibit cross-linking of peptidoglycan
in the cell wall, leading to autolysis and cell
death.
Spectrum
Good: MSSA, streptococci
Moderate: some enteric GNRs
Poor: enterococci, anaerobes, MRSA, Pseudomonas
Adverse Effects
Similar to those of other beta-lactams.
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