Prescribing antibiotics: penicillins and cephalosporins

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of the actions of penicillins and cephalosporins, members of the β-lactam family of antibiotics, the most widely used class of antibiotics. It discusses the factors influencing the prescribing of antibiotics, and the significance of bacterial resistance. It considers adverse reactions and drug interactions, and also outlines the use of the β-lactam family of antibiotics in combating some important infections, including meningitis, community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia, infective endocarditis, and Staphylococcus aureus.