cephalosporin Definition
- 1any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics originally isolated from the fungus Acremonium cephalosporium
- 2a type of antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections
Using cephalosporin: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cephalosporin" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The doctor prescribed a cephalosporin for my sinus infection.
Example
Cephalosporins are often used to treat pneumonia and skin infections.
Example
This patient is allergic to penicillin, so we will use a cephalosporin instead.
cephalosporin Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for cephalosporin
- antibiotic
- penicillin
- ampicillin
- amoxicillin
- azithromycin
Phrases with cephalosporin
first-generation cephalosporin
a type of cephalosporin antibiotic that was developed in the 1960s and is effective against a limited range of bacteria
Example
First-generation cephalosporins are often used to prevent infections after surgery.
third-generation cephalosporin
a type of cephalosporin antibiotic that was developed in the 1980s and is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including some that are resistant to other antibiotics
Example
Third-generation cephalosporins are often used to treat serious infections like meningitis and sepsis.
an allergic reaction to cephalosporin antibiotics, which can cause symptoms like rash, hives, and difficulty breathing
Example
It's important to tell your doctor if you have a history of cephalosporin allergy before taking this medication.
Origins of cephalosporin
from New Latin 'Cephalosporium', the name of the fungus from which the antibiotic was first isolated, and the chemical suffix '-in'
Summary: cephalosporin in Brief
Cephalosporin [sef-uh-loh-spawr-in, -spohr-] is a type of antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that was originally isolated from the fungus Acremonium cephalosporium. Cephalosporins are classified into generations, with first-generation cephalosporins being effective against a limited range of bacteria, and third-generation cephalosporins being effective against a wide range of bacteria, including some that are resistant to other antibiotics. Patients with a history of cephalosporin allergy should inform their doctor before taking this medication.
