Some 3rd-generation cephalosporins have relatively poor activity against gram-positive cocci. Oral cefixime and ceftibuten have little activity against S. aureus and, if used for skin and soft-tissue infections, should be restricted to uncomplicated infections due to streptococci.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/bacteria-and-antibacterial-drugs/cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are β-lactam antibiotics, which are grouped into four generations according to their antibiotic spectrum of activity. The first generation has mainly gram-positive activity. The second and third generation has more gram-negative activity with mostly decreased activity against gram-positive bacteria.
http://www.urology-textbook.com/cephalosporins.html
Cephalosporins generally cause few side effects. Common side effects involve mainly the digestive system: mild stomach cramps or upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cephalosporins can also cause overgrowth of fungus normally present in the body.
http://www.emedexpert.com/compare/cephalosporins.shtml
Cephalosporins are bactericidal agents (which means that they kill bacteria) and have the same mode of action as other beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillins). All bacterial cells have a cell wall that protects them.
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The fourth generation of cephalosporins has a broad spectrum activity. The following list provides an overview over the generations of cephalosporins with major substances: First Generation: cefazolin, cefalexin, cefadroxil.
http://www.urology-textbook.com/cephalosporins.html
Cephalosporins are classified in generations (see Table: Some Clinical Uses of 3rd- and 4th-Generation Cephalosporins). The 1st-generation drugs are effective mainly against gram-positive organisms.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/bacteria-and-antibacterial-drugs/cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are bactericidal β-lactam antibiotics. They inhibit enzymes in the cell wall of susceptible bacteria, disrupting cell synthesis. There are 5 generations of cephalosporins (see Table: Cephalosporins*).
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/bacteria-and-antibacterial-drugs/cephalosporins
Cephalosporins (Cephems) The cephalosporins are the largest and most diverse family of beta-lactam antibiotics. They are structurally and pharmacologically related to the penicillins. Cephalosporins have a beta-lactam ring structure, infused to a 6-membered dihydrothiazine ring, thus forming the cephem nucleus.
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Second-generation cephalosporins and cephamycins. These drugs may be slightly less active against gram-positive cocci than 1st-generation cephalosporins. Second-generation cephalosporins and cephamycins are often used for polymicrobial infections that include gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive cocci.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/bacteria-and-antibacterial-drugs/cephalosporins
Because the cephalosporins are structurally similar to the penicillins, some patients allergic to penicillins may be allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic. The overall cross-reactivity rate is about 1% when using first-generation cephalosporins or cephalosporins with similar R1 side chains.
http://www.emedexpert.com/compare/cephalosporins.shtml
what are the contraindication of cephalosporins
Mild stomach cramps or upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the contraindication of cephalosporins. The contraindication of cephalosporins is mild stomach cramps or upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.