Question

Which of the following is a 4th Generation Cephalosporin?

• A. Ceftriaxone
• B. Cefaclor
• C. Cefuroxime
• D. Cefepime

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which of the given options is a 4th Generation Cephalosporin, we look into the classification of cephalosporins based on their generation. Cephalosporins are a class of β-lactam antibiotics originally derived from the fungus Cephalosporium Acremonium. They are classified into generations based on their spectrum of antimicrobial activity:

1. 1st Generation: They are effective mainly against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria. Example: Cephalexin.
2. 2nd Generation: These have a broader spectrum compared to the first generation, adding effectiveness against more Gram-negative bacteria. Example: Cefaclor.
3. 3rd Generation: They have an even wider Gram-negative antibacterial activity, though less effective against Gram-positive bacteria compared to the first two generations. Example: Ceftriaxone.
4. 4th Generation: These combine the enhanced Gram-positive activity of the first and second generations with the expanded Gram-negative activity of the third generation. They have excellent Gram-negative coverage and good CNS penetration. Example: Cefepime.

With this understanding, let's examine the options provided:

• Ceftriaxone: It is a 3rd Generation Cephalosporin.
• Cefaclor: It is a 2nd Generation Cephalosporin.
• Cefuroxime: It is a 2nd Generation Cephalosporin.
• Cefepime: This is the drug classified as a 4th Generation Cephalosporin.

Therefore, the correct answer based on the above explanation is Cefepime, which is the actual 4th Generation Cephalosporin from the given options.

Please note that the answer provided in the original information is incorrect; the correct answer should be Cefepime, not Ceftriaxone.