For gonococcal conjunctivitis or orbital cellulitis, which cephalosporin would you most likely use?

For gonococcal conjunctivitis or orbital cellulitis, which cephalosporin would you most likely use?

• A. Cephalexin
• B. Ceftriaxone
• C. Cefdinir
• D. Cefazolin

Answer: (B)

Gonococcal conjunctivitis and orbital cellulitis require a systemic antibiotic with reliable activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and good penetration into ocular tissues. Ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin, fits this need best because it effectively cover N. gonorrhoeae (including strains that produce beta-lactamases) and achieves high, sustained levels in the eye when given intramuscularly or intravenously. This systemic approach is essential for serious eye infections where local therapy alone won’t clear an established gonococcal infection or prevent complications. Cephalexin and cefazolin are first-generation cephalosporins with limited activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and poorer usefulness for gonococcal eye infections. Cefdinir is an oral third-generation option, but for serious ocular infections the parenteral route with ceftriaxone provides reliable systemic exposure and tissue penetration.

Gonococcal conjunctivitis and orbital cellulitis require a systemic antibiotic with reliable activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and good penetration into ocular tissues. Ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin, fits this need best because it effectively cover N. gonorrhoeae (including strains that produce beta-lactamases) and achieves high, sustained levels in the eye when given intramuscularly or intravenously. This systemic approach is essential for serious eye infections where local therapy alone won’t clear an established gonococcal infection or prevent complications.

Cephalexin and cefazolin are first-generation cephalosporins with limited activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and poorer usefulness for gonococcal eye infections. Cefdinir is an oral third-generation option, but for serious ocular infections the parenteral route with ceftriaxone provides reliable systemic exposure and tissue penetration.