AntiInfectiveMeds

The cephalosporins contain a basic β-lactam structure fused to a six-membered ring. Drugs in this class differ widely in their spectrum of activity, susceptibility to β-lactamases produced by bacteria, and serum half-life. Cephalosporins are categorized into four generations, with each newer generation representing an improvement in the spectrum of bacterial coverage. The most important agents in this class are the second- and third-generation agents, which are commonly used in hospitalized patients in combination with a macrolide.

Learn here about Cefuroxime generation, dosage, uses, and other useful bits of information you should know about Cefuroxime 500mg and 250mg before taking the medication.

Ceftriaxone (Omnicef) 300mg has been available generically in Europe since 2002. In 2000, Cubist Pharmaceuticals announced that it had acquired the rights to oral ceftriaxone and was developing an alternate oral formulation.

Carbapenems are penicillin derivatives that have good activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. They are highly resistant to β-lactamase and have a very favorable spectrum of activity.

Ketolides are a new class of macrolide derivatives designed specifically to combat macrolide-resistant respiratory tract pathogens. The ketolides exhibit good activity against gram-positive and some gram-negative organisms and have excellent activity against drug-resistant S. pneumoniae, including macrolide-resistant strains. Spontaneous resistance to the available ketolide, telithromycin, is rare. Ketolides display excellent pharmacokinetics that allow once-daily dose administration and extensive tissue distribution relative to serum.

Gatifloxacin has a broad spectrum of activity similar to activity observed in other third-generation fiuoroquinolones. The agent is well absorbed following oral administration (almost 100% bioavailability), and its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., high volume of distribution, long elimination half-life) allow once-daily administration.

Aminoglycosides are the preferred agents for treating serious infections caused by aerobic gram-negative bacilli. Aminoglycosides play only a minor role in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia; their use is typically limited to hospitalized patients with severe or complicated community-acquired pneumonia in which gram-negative infections (particularly P. aeruginosa) are suspected.