CEPHALOSPORINSThe cephalosporins, a subgroup of β-lactam antibiotics, consist of a 4-membered lactam ring fused through the nitrogen and the adjacent tetrahedral carbon atom to a second heterocycle forming a 6-membered dihydrothiazine ring. Other structural features common to all the cephalosporins are a carboxyl group on the dihydrothiazine ring on the carbon next to the ring nitrogen and a functionalized amino group on C-7, the carbon of the β-lactam ring opposite the nitrogen. These features are evidenced in 7-aminocephalosporanic acid [957-68-6] (7-ACA), C 10 H 12 N 2 O 5 S 1. Cephalosporins, like all β-lactam antibiotics, exert their antibacterial effect by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. These antibiotics tend to be "irreversible" inhibitors of cell wall biosynthesis and they are usually bactericidal at concentrations close to their bacteriostatic levels. Cephalosporins are widely used for treating bacterial infections. They are highly effective antibiotics and have low toxicity.

Nomenclature and Stereochemistry Biogenesis Physical Properties Chemical Properties Biological Properties Manufacture and Chemical Synthesis Nuclear Analogues of Cephalosporins Cephalosporins With Special Properties Uses Toxicity