A Gram stain is a test. It tests for bacteria at the site of an infection such as the throat, lungs, wounds, or genitals or in the blood or urine. Bacterial infections are categorized as Gram-positive or Gram-negative, based on how the bacteria react to the Gram stain. A Gram stain is purple. When the stain is combined with the bacteria taken from the patient , it will stay purple indicating a Gram-positive infection or turn pink or red indicating a Gram-negative infection.
Some examples of Gram-positive infections are MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , strep throat , and toxic shock. Some examples of Gram-negative infections include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and salmonella.
First-generation cephalosporins are effective against Gram-positive staphylococci and streptococci. Oral first-generation cephalosporins, such as cefadroxil or cephalexin, are often used for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections. Parenteral injectable cefazolin is commonly used for endocarditis due to MRSA and to prevent infection before certain types of surgery.
Second-generation cephalosporins are effective against Gram-positive staphylococci and streptococcus and certain Gram-negative bacteria. Examples of second-generation cephalosporins include cefuroxime, cefprozil, and cefaclor. Third-generation cephalosporins have antibacterial activity against Haemophilus influenzae and some Enterobacter bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli.
Most third-generation cephalosporins are active against some Gram-positive bacteria. Examples of third-generation cephalosporins include ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin. It is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
The fifth-generation cephalosporin ceftaroline is active against MRSA, penicillin-resistant streptococci, and ampicillin-susceptible and beta-lactamase-producing Enterococcus faecalis. It does not work against Pseudomonas bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In appropriate candidates, cephalosporin can be a safe and effective treatment.
Before taking a cephalosporin, tell your doctor about your medical conditions and history and any medications you take, including prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and vitamins or supplements. Having an accurate and complete medical history will ensure that your provider can make the best treatment decision for you. Also, when you take a cephalosporin, finish the entire course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
For example, do not stop the medication if you feel better on day four when you are supposed to take it for ten days. Stopping the medication early can cause bacteria to return. If you have bothersome side effects, feel worse, or have other concerns, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Men can take cephalosporins for a bacterial infection or prevention of a bacterial infection as indicated , provided they are not allergic to cephalosporins or penicillins or do not fall into a restricted category for the particular cephalosporin.
Your healthcare provider can determine if a cephalosporin is appropriate for you. Women can take cephalosporins to prevent or treat bacterial infections as indicated if not allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking a cephalosporin. Yes, children can take cephalosporins. Generally, older adults can take cephalosporins as long as they are not allergic and do not fall into a restricted category for the particular cephalosporin.
However, there are some exceptions. This is why it is essential to talk to the doctor about any medical conditions you have and your medical history. For example, cephalexin is processed by the kidney. People with kidney problems may be more likely to have a toxic reaction such as seizures to cephalexin.
Since older adults are more likely to have kidney problems, the manufacturer suggests being cautious when selecting the dose. Do not take a cephalosporin if you have a history of an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:. Cefazolin may cause live bacterial vaccines such as typhoid vaccine to not work as well.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests including Coombs' test , possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call Otherwise, call a poison control center right away.
US residents can call their local poison control center at Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: trouble breathing, seizures. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to. Consult your doctor for more details. For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed ata provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Conditions of use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.
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