The cephalosporin antibiotic agents--I. Considered as a group.

Abstract

This review of the cephalosporin antibiotic family will appear in three parts. The first part will provide general information on the cephalosporins as a class, highlighting the history, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and the segregation of these agents into “generations.” The second segment will discuss the antimicrobial spectra of activity of the first- and second-generation agents, while the last article will focus on the third-generation and investigational cephalosporins under evaluation.Despite a confusing, and somewhat overwhelming array of cephalosporin antimicrobial agents presently available to the clinician, more are on the way. Since 1962 and the introduction of cephalothin, the first agent in this family, there has been a constant parade of new cephalosporins from various pharmaceutical manufacturers. Drug manufacturers are attempting to develop a more effective drug with attractive pharmacokinetic features and less toxicity by modifying the basic cephalosporin molecule.