Description

Cephradine is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It belongs to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, which are known for their ability to fight a wide range of bacterial infections. It is a semi-synthetic drug that is administered orally or via intramuscular or intravenous injection. Cephradine has a spectrum of activity that primarily targets Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria.

Indications

Cephradine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Its main indications include:

• Respiratory tract infections: Such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, laryngo-tracheo bronchitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, lobar pneumonia, and bronchopneumonia.

• Urinary tract infections: Such as cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis.

• Skin and soft tissue infections: Such as abscess, cellulitis, furunculosis, and impetigo.

• Otitis media (ear infections).

Mechanism of Action

Cephradine, like other beta-lactam antibiotics, works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Its mechanism of action is as follows:

1. Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis: Bacteria require a rigid cell wall, made of a polymer called peptidoglycan, for structural integrity and survival. The final stage of this synthesis involves a cross-linking process carried out by enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).

2. Beta-Lactam Ring: The key feature of cephradine is its beta-lactam ring. This ring has a similar structure to the D-alanyl-D-alanine portion of the peptidoglycan precursor.

3. Inhibition of PBPs: Cephradine acts by binding to and inhibiting these PBPs. By binding to the active site of the enzymes, it prevents them from cross-linking the peptidoglycan strands.

4. Resulting Effect: This inhibition leads to the formation of a weak and defective bacterial cell wall. The weakened wall cannot withstand the internal osmotic pressure of the bacterium, causing the cell to swell and burst, a process known as lysis. This leads to bacterial cell death, making cephradine a bactericidal (bacteria-killing) antibiotic.