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.

Doripenem is a synthetic carbapenem that has broad antibacterial potency against aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Doripenem is structurally related to beta-lactam antibiotics and shares the bactericidal mode of action of other β-lactam antibiotics by targeting penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) to inhibit the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Doripenem is resistant to hydrolysis by most β-lactamases and is resistant to inactivation by renal dehydropeptidases. Doripenem has many similarities to the other carbapenems, as well as some important differences, such as greater potency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was found to be similar to comparator agents. The most common adverse effects related to doripenem therapy were headache, nausea, diarrhea, rash, and phlebitis.

Cefditoren pivoxil is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is a 3rd generation cephalosporin that is FDA approved for the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community acquired pneumonia, infection of skin and/or subcutaneous tissue, and pharyngitis/tonsillitis. Cefditoren is a cephalosporin with antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. The bactericidal activity of cefditoren results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis via affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Common adverse reactions include diarrhea, nausea and candida vaginitis. Co-administration of a single dose of an antacid which contained both magnesium (800 mg) and aluminum (900 mg) hydroxides or co-administration of a single dose of intravenously administered famotidine (20 mg) reduced the oral absorption of a single 400 mg dose of cefditoren pivoxil administered following a meal. Co-administration of probenecid with cefditoren pivoxil resulted in an increase in the plasma exposure of cefditoren.

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%.

Cefmetazole is a semisynthetic cephamycin antibiotic. It has a broad spectrum of activity comparable to that of the second-generation cephalosporins, covering gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria. Its bactericidal action results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. It effectively treats abdominal and respiratory tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections and used for surgical prophylaxis, reducing or eliminating signs and symptoms of infection. Cefmetazole has a low frequency of adverse effects, and a side effect profile similar to that of other cephamycins. Adverse effects following overdosage have included nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and convulsions.

Cefpiramide or SM-1652 (sodium 7-[D(-)-alpha-(4-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine-3-carboxamido)-alpha-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamido]-3-[(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl) thiomethyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylate) is a semisynthetic cephalosporin derivative with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. This antibiotic has been reported to have potent in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities against gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

Cefotiam is a third generation beta-lactam cephalosporin antibiotic. It has broad spectrum activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. It does not have activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bactericidal activity of cefotiam results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis via affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).

Cefmenoxime is a semisynthetic beta-lactam cephalosporin antibiotic with activity similar to that of cefotaxime. Like other 'third-generation' cephalosporins it is active in vitro against most common Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, is a potent inhibitor of Enterobacteriaceae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), and is resistant to hydrolysis by beta-lactamases. Cefmenoxime has a high rate of clinical efficacy in many types of infection and is at least equal in clinical and bacteriological efficacy to several other cephalosporins in urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, postoperative infections and gonorrhoea. The bactericidal activity of cefmenoxime results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis via affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Cefmenoxime is stable in the presence of a variety of b-lactamases, including penicillinases and some cephalosporinases. Cefmenoxime is marketed in Japan under the brand name Bestron, indicated for the treatment of otitis externa, otitis media, and sinusitis. Cefmenoxime hydrochloride was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Dec 30, 1987. It was developed and marketed as Cefmax®, but it has being discontinued.

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.

Ceforanide is a new cephalosporin with a longer elimination half-life than any currently available cephalosporin. Its activity is very similar to that of cefamandole, a second-generation cephalosporin, except that ceforanide is less active against most gram-positive organisms. The bactericidal activity of ceforanide results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis via affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Ceforanide is primarily indicated in conditions like bone and joint infection, endocarditis, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, surgical infections, urinary tract infection. Rash and pruritus, and nausea, vomiting and other mild gastrointestinal side effects were noted in a few of the subjects but were mild and transient.