| drug name | Cephalosporins |
| classification | Antibiotics |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Absorption varies depending on the specific cephalosporin, but generally well-absorbed after oral administration. Intravenous and intramuscular routes are also common. Some cephalosporins undergo hepatic metabolism. | | distribution | Cephalosporins distribute widely throughout the body, including the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in some cases. Penetration into the tissues varies depending on the specific drug. | | metabolism | Metabolism in the liver is generally important. Some cephalosporins undergo significant hepatic metabolism, while others are primarily excreted unchanged in urine. | | excretion | Renal excretion is the primary route of elimination for most cephalosporins. Some are actively secreted by the kidneys. Dosage adjustment may be needed in patients with renal impairment. |
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| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage varies significantly depending on the specific cephalosporin, the infection being treated, and the patient's renal function. This is NOT a substitute for a doctor's prescription. Consult a medical professional for appropriate dosage. | | example | e.g., Cefadroxil 500mg orally twice daily for 10 days for mild infections. Higher doses or different schedules may be required for severe infections or specific conditions. Dosage must be tailored to the patient based on individual circumstances. |
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| indications | Cephalosporins are a broad-spectrum antibiotic class used to treat various bacterial infections, including skin infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and others. The specific cephalosporin chosen depends on the suspected pathogen and the site of infection. |
| safety in pregnancy | Some cephalosporins are considered relatively safe during pregnancy, while others may pose potential risks. It's crucial to discuss the use of cephalosporins during pregnancy with a healthcare provider. Risks and benefits should be weighed carefully on a case-by-case basis, as some infections may require antibiotic treatment even during pregnancy. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Some cephalosporins pass into breast milk. The potential risk to the infant should be discussed with the healthcare professional. Monitoring the infant for any adverse effects is important, though often there are no significant concerns, especially for shorter courses of treatment. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea | | 2 | Vomiting | | 3 | Diarrhea | | 4 | Abdominal pain | | 5 | Headache | | 6 | Allergic reactions (ranging from mild rash to severe anaphylaxis) | | 7 | Superinfections (e.g., yeast infections) | | 8 | Elevated liver enzymes | | 9 | Blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia) |
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| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or other penicillin-related drugs. | | 2 | History of severe allergic reactions to other antibiotics |
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| interactions | | 1 | Other medications (e.g., anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, certain diuretics) | | 2 | May reduce the effectiveness of certain oral contraceptives. |
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| warnings and precautions | Careful monitoring is required for patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Dosage adjustment may be necessary. Patients with a history of allergies or hypersensitivity reactions to other drugs (particularly penicillins) should be monitored carefully. Superinfections are a possibility. Always consult with a doctor before taking any new medications. |
| alternatives | |
| additional informations | This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition. Self-treating can be dangerous. The specific cephalosporin chosen will depend on the individual patient's situation, including sensitivities, allergies, and other medical conditions. |
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