3RD-GENERATION CEPHALOSPORINS

Third-generation cephalosporins have broad-spectrum microbiologic acti vity, a low incidence of adverse effects, and proven clinical efficacy for a wide variety of infections. No single cephalosporin is useful f or all clinical situations because cephalosporins differ in their gram -positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic spectrum, serum half-life, pen etration of cerebrospinal fluid, and beta-lactamase resistance. Cefota xime and ceftizoxime have the best gram-positive activity of the third -generation agents whereas ceftazidime, with its long half-life, can b e dosed once daily and is useful for outpatient antibiotic therapy.