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→Spectrum of Activity
==Spectrum of Activity==
==Spectrum of Activity==
Unlike penicillins it is hard to make broad generalisations about the spectrum of activity of the cephalosporin sub-groups. The two common points are that they are all stable to Staphylcococal beta lactamase and are effective against most obligate anaerobes.
'''First Generation Cephalosporins''' - Cefalexin, Cefalonium
* Active against gram positive organisms
* Active aginst many gram negatives. ''Pseudomonas'' species are resistant.
'''Second Generation Cephalosporins''' - Ceftiofur
* Very broad spectrum with very high activity against enterobacteriaeceae.
* Struggle against the most difficult gram negative organisms
'''Third Generation Cephalosporins''' - Cefoperazone
* Very active against gram negatives, especially the hardier species, including ''Pseudomonas''
* Less active against gram positives compared to other cephalosporins; Staphylococci and enterococci can be resistant.
'''Fourth Generation Cephalosporins''' - Cefquinome
* Very broad spectrum, only the very hardiest of gram negatives aren't susceptible. It is still active againts ''Pseudomonas''.
==Pharmacokinetic Considerations==
==Pharmacokinetic Considerations==