Binds to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing cell death.

Therapeutic Effect(s):
Bactericidal action against susceptible bacteria.

Spectrum:

• Similar to that of first-generation cephalosporins but has increased activity against several other gram-negative pathogens including:

» Haemophilus influenzae ,

» Escherichia coli ,

» Klebsiella pneumoniae ,

» Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains),

» Proteus ,

» Moraxella catarrhalis .

• Also has modest activity against Bacteroides fragilis .

• Not active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci or enterococci.