Cephalosporin
Cephalosporins are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and include, such as penicillin, to β -lactam antibiotics. They act as a bactericide by in dividing bacteria inhibit the reconstruction of the cell walls (here the internal cross-linking of the murein layer ).
Naturally, come cephalosporins in the mold Acremonium chrysogenum ( Cephalosporium acremonium formerly ) as cephalosporin C before. Cephalosporin C was founded in 1945, first discovered by Giuseppe Brotzu at the University of Cagliari. The chemical structure of which has similarities to the structure of the penicillin G, 1953 elucidated. It is because of its weak pharmacological action without meaning, but still serves as the basic material for manufacturing wirksamereren, semi-synthetic cephalosporins.
Classification and spectrum of activity
" Classical " or first-generation cephalosporins are characterized by good activity against staphylococci, and against β -lactamase - formers (see below), from. Their effectiveness against Gram -negative pathogens is limited. In addition to the cephalosporin of the first generation there are a number of variations which are referred to as the second and third generation cephalosporins. The advantage of the second generation is better resistance to β -lactamase, an enzyme with which some bacteria, especially gram-negative rod bacteria against β -lactam antibiotics ( see above) can protect. The third generation has a broader spectrum of activity, such as other bacteria detected. At least 18 substances were admitted in the 1990s on the German market; after a period of consolidation includes the Red List now nine cephalosporins with good tolerability and efficacy. Designations such as " 4 " and " 5 Generation " come from marketing claims of the manufacturers.
All cephalosporins currently available on the market, as well as many penicillins, not effective against enterococci, since these have a primary resistance ( the so-called " Enterokokkenlücke ").
Classic cephalosporins ( or 1st generation)
Basiscephalosporine without increasing β -lactamase stability
- Parenterally: cefazolin
- Oral: cefadroxil, cephalexin, loracarbef
2nd generation cephalosporins
Übergangscephalosporine with improved activity in Gram negative area and increased β -lactamase stability
- Parenterally: cefuroxime, cefotiam
- Oral: cefaclor, cefuroxime ( cefuroxime axetil )
3rd generation cephalosporins
Breitspektrumcephalosporine with high β -lactamase stability
- Parenterally: cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, ceftazidime, ceftazidime may also be used by inhalation. Cefepime and ceftazidime are also effective as a single cephalosporins against pseudomonas.
- Oral: cefixime, cefpodoxime ( Cefpodomimproxetil ), ceftibuten
- Veterinary Medicine: Cefovecin, ceftiofur