Cephalosporins in Gram-positive Infections

Overview

Journal Drugs

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 1987 Jan 1

PMID 3319496

Citations 3

Authors

J Symonds

A M Geddes

Affiliations

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Abstract

Infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria are an important and common cause of morbidity and mortality. Staphylococci and streptococci are the most frequent infecting organisms in skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bone and joint infections, and endocarditis. Anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria such as Clostridia spp. cause infections that can rapidly produce tissue necrosis and death. The cephalosporins are indicated for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria in certain circumstances. These include selected patients with endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and cellulitis. They are also used as alternatives to the penicillins in penicillin-allergic patients and for 'mixed' infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This article discusses the indications for the cephalosporin group of antibiotics in patients suffering from infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Citing Articles

Cephalosporin utilisation review and evaluation.

Misan G, Dollman C, Shaw D, Burgess N Pharmacoeconomics. 1995; 8(2):100-22.

PMID: 10155606 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-199508020-00003.

Ceftriaxone. A reappraisal of its antibacterial activity and pharmacokinetic properties, and an update on its therapeutic use with particular reference to once-daily administration.

Brogden R, Ward A Drugs. 1988; 35(6):604-45.

PMID: 3048974 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-198835060-00002.

Cefotaxime. An update of its pharmacology and therapeutic use.

Todd P, Brogden R Drugs. 1990; 40(4):608-51.

PMID: 2083516 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-199040040-00008.

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