Cephalosporin Comparison - Coverage 

1st Generation Cefazolin, Cephalexin 

2nd Generation Cefaclor, Cefotetan, Cefoxitin, Cefuroxime 

3rd Generation Cefixime, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone 

4th Generation Cefepime

Ceftaroline: "5th generation" or "advanced generation" - Similar to 3rd generation, but added MRSA coverage 



Cephalosporins are commonly used antibiotics, but they are not all the same! Here's a simplified review of the 4 generations. Generally the 1st generation has strongest Gram + coverage, and the spectrum transitions to stronger Gram - coverage as we move towards the 4th generation. For example, 4th gen Cefepime has strong Gram - coverage including Pseudomonas. An important cephalosporin to remember is Ceftaroline, which is not included in the 1-4 generations. Ceftaroline may be called the 5th generation, but it does not follow the same spectrum pattern. Ceftaroline is often compared to the same coverage as Ceftriaxone, except it also covers MRSA.



Jarred Prudencio, PharmD - https://www.instagram.com/ambcarerx



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