The new fifth-generation cephalosporins – a balance between safety and efficacy

Abstract

Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics classified into five generations. The newest generation has three representatives: ceftaroline fosamile, the combination ceftolozane/tazobactam (cephalosporin/beta-lactamase inhibitor), and ceftobiprole medocaril. These new cephalosporins are valuable anti-infective agents, with potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, and with a positive balance between benefits and side effects. However, the fifth-generation cephalosporins should be judiciously used to prevent the occurrence of bacterial resistance phenomenon.

Keywords

• cephalosporins
• ceftaroline
• ceftolozane
• ceftobiprole
• mrsa
• community-acquired pneumonia
• complicated skin and soft tissue infections