Master 4th Generation Cephalosporin with Picmonic for Medicine

Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics that are derived from Acremonium fungus. Like other beta-lactams, these antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. However, they are not as susceptible to penicillinases. There are traditionally five generations of cephalosporins classified based on their antimicrobial characteristics. Each new generation provides a more extended spectrum and has greater gram negative bactericidal properties than the previous generation. Fourth generation cephalosporins such as cefepime are especially known for their broad spectrum of activity and further increased activity against gram-negative organisms resistant to other beta-lactams compared to the older generations. They are also used against pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.