Cefaclor is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. As with other cephalosporins, the bactericidal action of Cefaclor results from inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. Cefaclor is indicated in the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms: Otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, staphylococci, and Streptococcus pyogenes; Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pyogenes; Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes; Urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis and cystitis, caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp., and coagulase-negative staphylococci; Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Adverse effects considered to be related to therapy with cefaclor are: Hypersensitivity reactions, Rarely, reversible hyperactivity, agitation, nervousness, insomnia, confusion, hypertonia, dizziness, hallucinations, somnolence and diarrhea. Patients receiving Cefaclor may show a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine with tests that use Benedict's and Fehling's solutions and also with Clinitest® tablets. There have been reports of increased anticoagulant effect when Cefaclor and oral anticoagulants were administered concomitantly.

Cefoxitin is a cephamycin antibiotic often grouped with the second-generation cephalosporins. It is active against a broad range of gram-negative bacteria including anaerobes. The methoxy group in the 7a position provides cefoxitin with a high degree of stability in the presence of beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative bacteria. The bactericidal action of cefoxitin results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis.

Cefadroxil is a new semisynthetic cephalosporin with a broad antibacterial spectrum and a high chemotherapeutic potential when administered orally. Many studies have established the efficacy of the administration of once- or twice-daily cefadroxil in the management of infections in the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, and bones and joints.

Cephalexin is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic intended for oral administration. In vitro tests demonstrate that the cephalosporins are bactericidal because of their inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. Cephalexin has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms both in vitro: Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis, Proteus mirabilis. Cephalexin is indicated for the treatment of the respiratory tract, skin and skin structure, bone and genitourinary tract infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms.

Ceftibuten is a 3rd generation cephalosporin that is FDA approved for the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute bacterial otitis media, pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Ceftibuten exerts its bactericidal action by binding to essential target proteins of the bacterial cell wall. This binding leads to inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. Common adverse reactions include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and headache. The effect of increased gastric pH on the bioavailability of ceftibuten was evaluated in 18 healthy adult volunteers. Each volunteer was administered one 400-mg ceftibuten capsule. A single dose of liquid antacid did not affect the Cmax or AUC of ceftibuten; however, 150 mg of ranitidine q12h for 3 days increased the ceftibuten Cmax by 23% and ceftibuten AUC by 16%.

Cefonicid is a semi-synthetic broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic resistant to beta-lactamases. Similarly to other cephalosporins, cefonicid exerts its antibacterial activity through the inhibition of the bacterial cell-wall synthesis. Its in vitro and in vivo activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms is documented.

Cefoperazone (marketed under the name Cefobid) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cefoperazone has a broad spectrum of activity: Respiratory Tract Infections caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, S. aureus (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing strains), S. pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci), P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter species. Peritonitis and Other Intra-abdominal Infections caused by E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and anaerobic gram-negative bacilli (including Bacteroides fragilis). Bacterial Septicemia caused by S. pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus species (indole-positive and indole-negative), Clostridium spp. and anaerobic gram-positive cocci. Infections of the Skin and Skin Structures caused by S. aureus (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing strains), S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Endometritis, and Other Infections of the Female Genital Tract caused by N. gonorrhoeae, S. epidermidis, S. agalactiae, E. coli, Clostridium spp., Bacteroides species (including Bacteroides fragilis), and anaerobic gram-positive cocci. Cefobid has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis. Therefore, when Cefobid is used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and C. trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added. Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cefoperazone, a third-generation cephalosporin, interferes with cell wall synthesis by binding to the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thus preventing cross-linking of nascent peptidoglycan. Cefoperazone is stable to penicillinases and has a high degree of stability to many beta-lactamases produced by gram-negative bacteria. When tested in vitro, cefoperazone has demonstrated synergistic interactions with aminoglycosides against gram-negative bacilli. As with all cephalosporins, hypersensitivity manifested by skin reactions or drug fever. Reversible neutropenia may occur with prolonged administration. Diarrhea or loose stools has been reported also.

Cefotaxime sodium is a semisynthetic, broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration. It’s a 3rd Generation Cephalosporin that is FDA approved for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, genitourinary infections, gynecologic infections, bacteremia/septicemia, skin and skin structure infections, intra-abdominal infections, bone and/or joint infections and central nervous system infections. The bactericidal activity of cefotaxime sodium results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cefotaxime sodium has in vitro activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Cefotaxime sodium has a high degree of stability in the presence of ß-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Common adverse reactions include injection site pain, injection site phlebitis, rash, diarrhea, vomiting. Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Cephradine is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephradine is active against the following organisms in vitro: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci; Staphylococci, including coagulase-positive, coagulase-negative, and penicillinase-producing strains; Streptococcus pneumoniae (formerly Diplococcus pneumoniae); Escherichia coli; Proteus mirabilis; Klebsiella species; Hemophilus influenza. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., skin, ear, respiratory and urinary tract infections). Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in patients receiving cephradine both orally and intravenously. Diarrhea generally starts 1 to 16 days after starting cephradine therapy. Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting. Hypersensitivity reactions have included rash, urticaria, pruritus, and joint pain. Bacteriostats may interfere with the bactericidal action of cephalosporins in acute infection; other agents, e.g., aminoglycosides, colistin, polymyxins, vancomycin, may increase the possibility of nephrotoxicity.