The New Beta-Lactamase-Stable Cephalosporins

Abstract

The proliferation of new beta-lactam compounds is due to the increased resistance of gram-negative bacteria to existing compounds, an increased awareness of the toxic potential of other antimicrobial agents such as the aminoglycosides, and advances in chemistry that allow production of new cephalosporins or oxacephem compounds with extraordinary in-vitro action. The antibacterial spectrum of the new cephalosporins, combined with their excellent pharmacokinetic properties and retention of the safety of the older agents of this class, suggest that these drugs can be used in many clinical situations. But the manner in which the new cephalosporins should replace the older agents is not known. The new cephalosporins should not be used to treat infections that can be effectively cured with inexpensive older penicillins or cephalosporins.