Beta-lactam antibiotics: newer formulations and newer agents.

Stanley I Martin, Kenneth M Kaye

Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

Infectious disease clinics of North America 2004 Sep

filter terms:

beta-Lactam antibiotics share a common structure and mechanism of action, although they differ in their spectrum of antimicrobial activity and utility in treating different infections. The current classes include the penicillins, the penicillinase-resistant penicillins, the extended- spectrum penicillins, the cephalosporins, the carbapenems, and the monobactams. This article discusses some of the newest beta-lactams available for use in the United States: ertapenem, cefditoren, and cefepime. A new formulation of amoxicillin-clavulanate, which contains higher doses of amoxicillin, is also discussed.

Citation

Stanley I Martin, Kenneth M Kaye. Beta-lactam antibiotics: newer formulations and newer agents. Infectious disease clinics of North America. 2004 Sep;18(3):603-19, ix