BETA-LACTAMASE INHIBITORS AND NEW CEPHALOSPORINS

Several new cephalosporins have been introduced recently or will be in troduced soon. The use of beta-lactamase inhibitors continues to be co mmon and a new beta-lactamase inhibitor, tazobactam, combined with pip eracillin, is expected to be released soon. In this paper we will disc uss the current status of the beta-lactamase inhibitors and the indica tions for these agents. Newer oral cephalosporins, cefprozil, loracarb ef, cefixime, ceftibuten, and cefpodoxime, will be reviewed and their potential advantages over older agents discussed. The potential clinic al significance of the new intravenous cephalosporins, cefipime, and c efpirome, will also be reviewed.