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Cephalosporins are a group of semi-synthetic antibiotics with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The structure and action of cephalosporin drugs are similar to penicillin antibiotics. Cephalosporins were isolated in 1948 from a microscopic fungus culture. Cephalosporins of the XNUMXst, XNUMXnd, XNUMXrd, XNUMXth and XNUMXth generation are known and currently used.
How do cephalosporins work?
Bactericidal action cefalosporyn it is based on their binding to the enzymes of bacteria and blocking their action. The process of bacterial cell wall synthesis and growth is thus inhibited.
Stands out cephalosporins XNUMXst, XNUMXnd, XNUMXrd, XNUMXth and XNUMXth generation.
Cephalosporins In the XNUMXst generation, they show a stronger activity against gram-positive bacteria than against gram-negative bacteria. They are effective in treating streptococcal and E-coli infections, but are not useful in treating infections caused by salmonella and Proteus bacteria.
Cephalosporins Generation II is more active against Gram-negative bacteria. They are bactericidal in the case of Sterptococcus cocci, Haemophilus influenzae, E-coli and Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria.
Cephalosporins Generation III have a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. They are highly effective in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. They are helpful in the treatment of bacterial meningitis (XNUMXst and XNUMXnd generation cephalosporins penetrate poorly into the cerebrospinal fluid).
Cephalosporins The XNUMXth generation also penetrates easily into the cerebrospinal fluid, making them useful in the treatment of meningitis. They have a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity. They have to be administered intravenously (parenterally).
Cephalosporins The fifth generation also needs to be administered parenterally. They inhibit the development of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus and other microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotic treatment.
When should I use cephalosporins?
Drugs of the group cefalosporyn it is used to treat bacterial infections such as salmonellosis, brucellosis and against infections caused by staphylococcus aureus. They have a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. They are used to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli infections and sepsis. Cephalosporins It is also used prophylactically to prevent postoperative infections. Drugs of the group cefalosporyn must be prescribed by a physician, strictly adhere to them when using them medical recommendations. You must not stop using the drug on your own before the prescribed treatment time has elapsed, even if your health improves significantly.
Cephalosporins are antibiotics that can be used during pregnancy – clinical trials have not shown that they may have a negative effect on the development of the fetus.
Side effects when taking cephalosporins
Cephalosporins can cause a series side effects. These include: allergic reactions, especially if the patient is allergic to penicillin antibiotics, digestive system problems (nausea, diarrhea), disturbances of the intestinal bacterial flora, blood coagulation disorders, kidney disorders and damage, enteritis. Administered intravenously cephalosporins can cause pain.