Introduction
Illustrated mechanism of action
Examples of Medication Brand Names (with Images)
Indication
Side Effects
Precautions & Contraindications
Monographs
Reference
Introduction
Illustrated mechanism of action
Examples of Medication Brand Names (with Images)
Indication
Side Effects
Precautions & Contraindications
Monographs
Reference
Second-generation cephalosporins were developed in the 1970s as an improvement over the first-generation drugs. They were designed to have a broader spectrum of activity, especially against gram-negative bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae and some Enterobacter species. These antibiotics also show better resistance to beta-lactamase enzymes produced by certain bacteria. Their development marked a significant step in combating respiratory and urinary tract infections
.Allergy
symptoms
1-Skin Rash
2-Urticaria (Hives)
3-Facial Swelling (Angioedema)Breathing Difficulties/Wheezing
4-Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction):
5-Joint Pain (Arthralgia)
6-Fever (Pyrexia)
Managment
Immediate Discontinuation of the Drug:
Stop using the second-generation cephalosporin immediately upon identification of allergic symptoms
.Antihistamines:
Purpose: To relieve mild symptoms such as skin rash and hives.
Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine.
.Corticosteroids (Oral or Topical):
Purpose: To reduce inflammation in cases of severe rash or hives.
Examples: Prednisone (oral), Hydrocortisone (topical).
.Epinephrine (Adrenaline):
Purpose: To treat severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis by reversing symptoms such as difficulty breathing and low blood pressure.
Method: Administer intramuscular epinephrine as soon as anaphylaxis is suspected.
Indications
Second-generation cephalosporins are used to treat various infections, including:
Bone and joint infections
Skin and soft tissue infections
Gynecological infections
Intra-abdominal infections
Lower respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infections
Meningitis in children
Sepsis
Precautions & Contraindications
Allergic Reactions: Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillins or carbapenems may have cross-reactivity with cephalosporins. However, recent studies suggest that the risk is lower than previously thought, especially with second-generation cephalosporins.
Alcohol Interaction: Some cephalosporins, like cefotetan, can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol. This is due to the methylthiotetrazole (MTT) side chain, which can interfere with alcohol metabolism.
Monographs
Cefaclor
Cefoxitin
Cefuroxime
Cefprozil
Loracarbef
References