This group of antibiotics is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
Cephalosporins are a large group of antibiotics that belong to a class known as beta-lactams.
These medicines are used to treat bacterial infections, including:
Ear infections
Pneumonia
Skin infections
Kidney infection
Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea
Bone infections
Throat and other throat infections
Meningitis
Cephalosporins are antiseptics, meaning they kill bacteria directly. They do this by interfering with how bacteria build their cell walls.
Cephalosporins have been grouped into five generations based on when the drug was developed. In general, each breed is effective against certain types of bacteria.
First-generation cephalosporins work primarily against infections that are considered easy to treat, while later-generation cephalosporins are more likely to cause severe bacterial infections.
Cephalosporins share a unique resemblance to penicillin, and can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to penicillin.
Depending on the severity of your penicillin allergy, you may still be able to take cephalosporins, but most likely not first or second generation medications.
Due to their long history of development, there are several cephalosporins on the market.
Examples of cephalosporins include:
Encephal and Cefazol (Cefazolin)
Scholar and Cefaclor
Ceftin and Xenasef (Cefuroxime)
Doricev (Cefadroxel)
Ceflex and Ceftabes (Ceflexin)
Maxipime (cemetery)
Ruffin (ceftriaxone)
Sparks (Salafism)
Teflaro (Ceftaroline Fosmel)
Warnings and Precautions
People who are allergic to cephalosporins, or any of the inactive ingredients found in these medicines should not take them.
Like all antibiotics, it is important that you finish the whole course – even if you feel better. This is the only way to make sure the infection is completely gone.
Otherwise, the infection may recur and be more difficult to treat a second time.
Common Side Effects
Taking cephalosporins can cause the following side effects.
Stomach upset
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Sputum (white fungus in the mouth), yeast infection, or other fungal infections
Extraordinary things of blood
Itching or itching
Drug Interactions
Do not take cephalosporins if you are taking Thrax (BCG directly intravascular).
Ask your doctor about taking cephalosporins if you are taking:
Medicines for acid reflux such as pepsid (femotidine), tegamite (cimetidine), or xanthine (ranitidine)
Other heartburn medications such as oxyfax (rabprazole), dexalant (diclonsoprazole), nexime (isoprazole)
VTF (direct typhoid vaccine)
