ABSTRACT
Cephalosporins are among the most commonly used antibiotics in pediatric and adult patients. These drugs are effective for both prevention and treatment of infections caused by a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Nearly 25 cephalosporins have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and additional agents are available in Europe, Japan, and other parts of the world. This chapter provides a brief review of cephalosporins, and defines the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in assuring optimal use of these drugs in patients. The first-generation parenteral cephalosporins have similar antimicrobial spectrum. The assessment of pharmacokinetics is important in designing optimal dosage regimens of drugs. Most of the cephalosporins are eliminated primarily by the kidney, and yet specific dosage guidelines in certain patients with renal dysfunction are not available.
