Cephalosporins are a large group of antibiotics that belong to a class known as beta-lactams.
They are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
These medications are bactericidal drugs, meaning they kill bacteria directly, according toMerck Manual.
They do this by interfering with how bacteria build their cell walls.
In general, each generation is effective against different types of bacteria.
You should also avoid cephalosporins if youve had an anaphylactic reaction to other beta-lactams.
The third-generation cephalosporin ceftriaxone is contraindicated in some newborns, because it could increase the risk of jaundice.
An overdose of the fourth-generation cephalosporin cefepime can lead to seizures and encephalopathy (brain disease).
If you have a history of seizures, especially with poor kidney function, use caution when taking cephalosporins.
This is the only way to ensure that the infection is completely gone.
Otherwise, the infection could return and be much more difficult to treat the second time around.
Infants younger than 28 days old should not take ceftriaxone if they are likely to receive any calcium-containing products.
Additional reporting by Jennifer D’Angelo Friedman.
Five generations of cephalosporins exist, each targeting different types of bacteria with varying effectiveness.
1 new release in educational research on Amazon.
She earned her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy.
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