Extended-spectrum (second- and third-generation) cephalosporins.
The extended-spectrum cephalosporins provide better activity against gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes than first-generation agents. Cefoxitin and cefotetan (second-generation) and ceftriaxone (third-generation) have excellent activity against B. fragilis and are useful in the treatment of postoperative infections and pelvic inflammatory disease. The extended-spectrum cephalosporins are as efficacious as first-generation agents for prophylaxis of cesarean section and hysterectomy. The first-generation drugs, such as cefazolin, are considerably less expensive than these newer compounds, however, making first-generation agents the drugs of choice when used for prophylaxis. The majority of the third-generation agents should be reserved for the treatment of meningitis and resistant nosocomial infections.
Eriksen
N L
NL
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Medical School, Houston.
Blanco
J D
JD
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
D002511:Cephalosporins