Master 3rd Generation Cephalosporins with a Mnemonic

This third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic (trade name: Claforan) is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, connective tissues, urinary tract, genital tract, meninges, and blood. It can cross the blood-brain barrier. It offers coverage against most gram-negative bacteria, except for Pseudomonas. It is also effective against gram-positive cocci, except for enterococcus.

This third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic (trade name: Rocephin) is used for community-acquired pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae infection, and can be used for bacterial meningitis. More commonly, a single intramuscular injection can be given to effectively treat gonorrhea. Furthermore, ceftriaxone can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Cefdinir (trade name: Omnicef) is a third-generation cephalosporin commonly used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and skin infections. The pediatric formulation of cefdinir may bind to iron in the digestive tract, which can cause red discoloration of the stool in rare instances. Other side effects include diarrhea, vaginal infections or inflammation, nausea, headache, and abdominal pain.

This third-generation cephalosporin (trade name: Fortaz) is used to treat gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However, unlike most third-generation agents, it is active against Pseudomonas.

Ceftazidime is the third-generation cephalosporin that has antimicrobial coverage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Third-generation cephalosporins are commonly used to combat serious gram-negative infections that are typically resistant to other beta-lactam antibiotics.