Cephalosporins: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Use & Side Effects

Chemical Formula:

• Varies by specific drug. For instance, the formula for Ceftriaxone is C18H18N8O7S3.

Structure of Cephalosporins

Mechanism of Action:

• They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis in a similar way to penicillins.

Use:

• They are used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including skin infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections.

Side Effects:

• Possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, rash, electrolyte imbalances, and potential for allergic reactions.

Example:

• Ceftriaxone, Cefaclor, Cefadroxil.