Cephalexin is considered which generation of cephalosporin?

Cephalexin is considered which generation of cephalosporin?

• A. 1st generation
• B. 2nd generation
• C. 3rd generation
• D. 4th generation

Answer: (A)

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin. The naming of cephalosporin generations reflects changes in antibacterial spectrum and typical clinical use. First-generation agents are mainly active against Gram-positive cocci, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, with some activity against a few Gram-negative rods (like E. coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus) and are usually given orally for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections. Cephalexin fits this pattern: it is an oral drug that reliably treats common staph and strep infections and has only modest Gram-negative coverage, with little to no activity against organisms like Pseudomonas. Higher generations broaden Gram-negative coverage and often include agents with different routes of administration, which is why cephalexin is categorized as the first generation.

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin. The naming of cephalosporin generations reflects changes in antibacterial spectrum and typical clinical use. First-generation agents are mainly active against Gram-positive cocci, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, with some activity against a few Gram-negative rods (like E. coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus) and are usually given orally for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections. Cephalexin fits this pattern: it is an oral drug that reliably treats common staph and strep infections and has only modest Gram-negative coverage, with little to no activity against organisms like Pseudomonas. Higher generations broaden Gram-negative coverage and often include agents with different routes of administration, which is why cephalexin is categorized as the first generation.