Which antibiotic is a cephalosporin commonly used to cover Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Prepare for the Antibacterials (ABX) Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your test!

Main concept: not all cephalosporins cover Pseudomonas, so choosing an agent with antipseudomonal activity is crucial when that pathogen is a concern. Ceftazidime stands out among cephalosporins for reliably inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it a go-to option when this organism is suspected or known. The other cephalosporins listed lack consistent Pseudomonas coverage: cefdinir and cefixime are commonly used oral agents for community-acquired infections and do not reliably cover Pseudomonas, while ceftriaxone, though broad-spectrum, does not provide dependable anti-Pseudomonal activity. In practice, when Pseudomonas coverage is needed, clinicians opt for antipseudomonal options such as ceftazidime (among the cephalosporins), or other classes like piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, or carbapenems, depending on the clinical context and resistance patterns.