ABSTRACT
Penicillins and cephalosporins belong to the h-lactam class of antimicrobials. Benzylpenicillin has been utilized since 1941 and cephalosporins began to be used clinically in the 1960s. Because of their spectrum of activity, the penicillins and cephalosporins have utility in treatment of communityacquired respiratory tract infections. This chapter will discuss the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the penicillins and cephalosporins, as well as the utility of these drugs in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections. The number of h-lactams available for clinical use is extensive, so this chapter will limit discussion to the agents that are indicated and used clinically for treatment of communityacquired respiratory tract infections.
