Cephalosporin antibiotics: molecules that respond to different needs.
Since the introduction of cephalothin in 1964, there has been a large number of cephalosporins synthesized and used clinically. Modification of the beta-acyl side chain has yielded compounds with stability against attack by plasmid and chromosomal beta-lactamases. The presence of methoxy groups at C-7 of the bicyclic cephalosporin nucleus has provided excellent activity against many anaerobic species. Changes in structure have also provided agents with extended half-lives, permitting twice a day dosing or single-dose prophylaxis. Cephalosporins clearly have come of age as agents to meet many different infectious needs.
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Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032.
D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D002511:Cephalosporins