Cephalosporins

Question 1

First generation (cefazolin)

Answer 1

Most gram-positive cocci (including staph and strep not MRSA) some gram-negative rods (including Escherichia coli, Proteus, Klebsiella)

used for surgical prophylaxis and skin infections

Question 2

Second generation (cefuroxime, cefotetan)

Answer 2

Decreased activity vs. GPC, increase vs. GNR
2 subgroups:
Respiratory: H. influenza and M. catarrhalis
GI/GU: Increased activity vs. B. fragilis

pneumonia/COPD flare
abdominal infections

Question 3

Third-generation (ceftriaxone)

Answer 3

Broad activity vs. GNR and some anaerobes
ceftazidime active vs. pseudomonas

pneumonia
sepsis
meningitis

Question 4

Fourth generation (cefepime)

Answer 4

Increased resistance to beta-lactamases (including STAPH and Enterobacter)

similar to third generation. Monotherapy for nonlocalizing febrile neutropenia

Question 5

Fifth generation (Ceftaroline)

Answer 5

MRSA. NOT 1st line for MRSA bacteremia.