Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins are a group of beta-lactam antibiotics derived from the mold Cephalosporium. Beta-lactam antibiotics all contain a four membered beta-lactam ring with three carbons and a nitrogen, as well as a carbonyl group off one of the carbons. There are three groups: Cephalosporin N,C, and P. These three groups all have a slightly similar chemical makeup. Cephalosporin N and C are chemically related to Penicillins, and Cephalosporin P is a steroid related to fusidic acid. They act in the same manner as Penicillins in the fact that they disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis. First generation Cephalosporins are active against Gram positive bacteria, whereas later generations are more successful against Gram negative bacteria (1). Some examples of these antibiotics are Cefamandole, Cefurxiome, Cefonicid, and Cefoxitin. Cephalosporins are used to treat step throat, peritonitis, diverticulitis, staph infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and gonorrhea (2). Cephalosporins, like all antibiotics, do not work on treating viruses. There are symptoms that come with taking Cephalosporins, including stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing. These antibiotics can be taken orally intravenously, or intramuscular injection. Bacterial resistance mechanisms are possible, and there are three main mechanisms used by bacteria on cephalosporins. The first is the destruction of the beta-lactam ring by beta-lactamases. Next is altering the affinity of cephalosporins for their target site. Lastly, bacteria can cause decreased penetration of the antibiotic to the target site. This is only possible for gram-negative bacteria because gram-positive bacteria lack an outer cell membrane (3). Cephalosporins should not be combined with alcohol or taken with medicines that contain alcohol.

References:
1. "Livertox." Cephalosporins. N.p., 2011. Web. 19 Oct. 2013.
2. "CEPHALOSPORINS - INJECTION Side Effects, Medical Uses, and Drug Interactions." MedicineNet. N.p., 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2013.
3. Itokazu, Gail. "CEPHALOSPORINS." CEPHALOSPORINS. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2013.