Question

Arrange the below listed cephalosporins in the order of first to fourth generation
(A) Ceftriaxone
(B) Cephalexin
(C) Cefuroxime
(D) Cefepime
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C), (B), (D).
• B. (B), (C), (D), (A).
• C. (B), (C), (A), (D).
• D. (C), (B), (A), (D).

Hint:

Cephalosporins with "ph" or "f" followed by "a" in their prefix (like Cephalexin, Cefazolin) are typically first-generation. This helps you identify (B) as the starting point.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics grouped into "generations" based on their timeline of development and their spectrum of antibacterial activity.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us classify the given cephalosporins into their respective generations:
- (B) Cephalexin: A classic first-generation cephalosporin, highly active against Gram-positive bacteria.
- (C) Cefuroxime: A second-generation cephalosporin, with an expanded spectrum against Gram-negative organisms.
- (A) Ceftriaxone: A third-generation cephalosporin, with high activity against Gram-negative bacteria and excellent penetration into the CNS.
- (D) Cefepime: A fourth-generation cephalosporin, offering a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Arranging these from first to fourth generation:
\[ \text{Cephalexin (B)} \rightarrow \text{Cefuroxime (C)} \rightarrow \text{Ceftriaxone (A)} \rightarrow \text{Cefepime (D)} \] This corresponds to the sequence: (B), (C), (A), (D).

Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct sequential order corresponds to Option (C).