Comparative activity of oral cephalosporins against β-lactamase producing pathogens*

Summary The activity of cefetamet and other oral cephalosporins against β-lactamase producing pathogens has been reviewed. First- or-second generation oral cephalosporins have a good activity against S. aureus but a poor stability toward β-lactamases. They are not effective against bacteria producing even low levels of cephalosporinase. Cefixime and cefetamet are less active against S. aureus but, like cefpodoxime, they are clearly not affected by the presence of a classical β-lactamase in H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoeae, H. ducreyi, S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae . They have borderline activity against Enterobacteriaceae producing low-level cephalosporinase while they are ineffective against high-level producers including E. coli . Cefetamet is the most stable compound against bacteria producing extended spectrum β-lactamases. Clinical data are now needed in order to confirm the in vitro activity.