Core pharmacology

Class Group

ANTIBIOTIC:
CEPHALOSPORIN

Legacy Cicm Level

Level 1

Introduction

4th generation Cephalosporin

Presentation

Powder for reconstitution and IV injection (pale white –yellow)

Mechanism of action

Beta lactam ring binds to multiple penicillin binding proteins (carboxy/endo/ transpeptidase) and
prevents crosslinking of bacterial peptidoglycan
inhibits cell wall synthesis
BROADER SPECTRUM

Bacteria eventually lyse due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes (autolysins and murein hydrolases) while cell wall assembly is arrested

Configuration: Stability against Betalactamases

Onset Peak Duration

1-2g q8hr

Antimicrobial Spectrum

Bacteriocidal

Active against:
- Same as ceftriaxone (GPC + gram negatives)
- More activity against Enterbacter and other ESCAPPMs and pseudomonas

Adverse Effects Toxicity

Generally well tolerated
Hypersensitivity reactions (10% cross reactivity with penicillin allergies), thrombophlebitis, interstitial nephritis, low prothrombin, flushing and headaches with EtOH.

Absorption

IV or IM only.

Distribution

Widely distributed

Excretion

85% eliminated unchanged in the urine

Half-life

Plasma T1/2 = 2 hrs