[Cephalosporins in clinical practice].

Cephalosporins belong to the betalactam group and are frequently prescribed in both out and inpatient settings. Their broad spectrum of activity allows a varied use in most medical specialties, ranging from preoperative prophylaxis to treatment of febrile agranulocytosis. There are currently five generations of cephalosporins, mainly differentiated according to their structure, spectrum of activity and side-effect profile. So-called siderophore cephalosporins are active against many multiresistant bacteria, especially in cases of complicated urinary tract infections or ventilator-associated pneumonia. This article intends to review some general clinical principles in prescription and monitoring of patients treated with cephalosporins.