How much detail do they test? I would assume knowing mechanism and uses, but do I need to know which generation the drug belongs to, or do I just need to know what each generation is good for?
Cephalosporins memorization
- Thread starter pntgrd
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Preferably learn them all (names). They are given in the Kaplan's textbook. Uworld emphasizes you also know the names of cephalosporins that are used against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (Cefepime, Cefoperazone).
Some cephalosporins have specific indications. You need to learn them. For example, Cefotetan (1st gen) has activity against Bacteroides Fragilis, so can be used to decrease Bacteroides load in bowel before undertaking surgery. One very commonly tested drug is Ceftriaxone (3rd gen). This has very specific indications against Gonorrhoea (1st line) and meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis, as well reducing their carrier state (Also Rifampin is another first line for prophylactic purposes).
I think that's more or less all you need to know. If you can supplement further info, that'd be helpful.
Some cephalosporins have specific indications. You need to learn them. For example, Cefotetan (1st gen) has activity against Bacteroides Fragilis, so can be used to decrease Bacteroides load in bowel before undertaking surgery. One very commonly tested drug is Ceftriaxone (3rd gen). This has very specific indications against Gonorrhoea (1st line) and meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis, as well reducing their carrier state (Also Rifampin is another first line for prophylactic purposes).
I think that's more or less all you need to know. If you can supplement further info, that'd be helpful.
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I think the above cephalosporins are most likely to appear; I would also know cefazolin, cefalexin and ceftazidime. Maybe cefotaxime and cefuroxime.
I think cefotetan is 2nd gen, not first.
It's always a gamble to say that the weird ones won't be tested - I got a question on an old drug that was never FDA approved and wasn't even in Goodman and Gilman, but according to Google is still used in Europe. Nevertheless I think test-writers will probably stick to the above - and you'd want to know them for 3rd year anyway.
I think cefotetan is 2nd gen, not first.
It's always a gamble to say that the weird ones won't be tested - I got a question on an old drug that was never FDA approved and wasn't even in Goodman and Gilman, but according to Google is still used in Europe. Nevertheless I think test-writers will probably stick to the above - and you'd want to know them for 3rd year anyway.
Well you are right. Simply saying those "rare" drugs won't be tested is a big underestimation.
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CMMRS will clear up (nearly) all of your confusion about these. I remember dreading cephs before my drugs and bugs exam this year, but after I read the part of CMMRS that covered them, I got them down (and mostly held onto the info.)
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I disagree with the previous posters. Just know what the differences are by generation, and know the anti-pseudomonal cephalosporins. You will not be asked to know any more than that for Step 1.
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Fortaz has some activity against Pseudo too....but Cefepime is better.
You get more negative coverage as you go up in generations...ie, 4th generation has the best coverage.
You get more negative coverage as you go up in generations...ie, 4th generation has the best coverage.
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I'm going to just remember the trends by generation, ceftriaxone, cephalexin, cefotaxime, and maybe a couple general facts about them. If I miss a question because I don't know enough about some random cephalosporin, I'm okay with it.
