| name | Cephalosporins (Second and Third Generation) |
| classification | Antibiotics (Beta-Lactam Antimicrobials) |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Generally well absorbed after oral or parenteral administration, but variability exists depending on the specific cephalosporin and route of administration. Oral bioavailability may be reduced in some cases. Absorption can be affected by food. | | distribution | Distributes widely throughout the body, including the CSF (in certain cases). Penetration into tissues and organs varies. | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily by the liver, but some are excreted unchanged in urine. | | excretion | Excreted primarily by the kidneys. Renal impairment can significantly alter drug clearance. |
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| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage varies significantly based on the specific cephalosporin, severity of infection, patient factors (renal function, age, etc), and route of administration. Consult with a physician. | | examples | | 1 | | drug | Cefaclor | | dosage | 250-500 mg PO q 8 hours |
| | 2 | | drug | Cefuroxime | | dosage | 250 mg IV/IM q 8 hours to 12 hours |
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| indications | Treatment of various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and others. |
| safety in pregnancy | Some cephalosporins are considered relatively safe during pregnancy. However, their use should be carefully considered by the physician, considering potential risks and benefits, especially during the first trimester. It's important to discuss the need for the drug with a physician. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Some cephalosporins are excreted in breast milk; however, generally considered safe at recommended doses. Consult a healthcare provider. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain | | 2 | Headache, dizziness | | 3 | Allergic reactions (including rash, hives, anaphylaxis) | | 4 | Superinfection (e.g., yeast infections) | | 5 | Blood dyscrasias (rare) | | 6 | Hepatic dysfunction (rare) |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins (important cross-reactivity exists). | | 2 | Severe hepatic or renal impairment (requires dosage adjustments or alternative treatment). | | 3 | Patients with a history of Clostridium difficile infection. |
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| interactions | Several drugs can interact with cephalosporins, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing side effects. Examples include anticoagulants (warfarin), oral contraceptives, and other antibiotics. Consult with a physician before using any other medications. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor kidney function closely, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney problems or those taking other nephrotoxic drugs. | | 2 | Be alert for signs of allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) require immediate medical attention. | | 3 | Patients with a history of gastrointestinal problems should be monitored for diarrhea. |
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| additional informations | Always use the drug as prescribed by a physician. Do not adjust the dosage or discontinue the treatment without consulting a doctor. Infections should be diagnosed properly by a physician to ensure the most effective treatment. |
| patient profile | |
