Comparison Chart of Cephalosporin Generations, MCQ for GPAT & NEET PG
Comparison chart of Cephalosporin Generations
Generation | Spectrum of Activity | Gram-Positive Coverage | Gram-Negative Coverage | Resistant to β-lactamase? | Key Examples | Clinical Uses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st | Narrow | Good | Limited | No | Cefazolin, Cephalexin | Skin infections, surgical prophylaxis, UTIs |
2nd | Intermediate | Moderate | Better than 1st | Slightly | Cefuroxime, Cefoxitin | Respiratory tract infections, abdominal infections |
3rd | Broad | Less than 1st/2nd | Excellent | Yes | Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime | Meningitis, gonorrhea, sepsis |
4th | Broadest | Good | Excellent + Pseudomonas | Yes | Cefepime | Hospital-acquired infections, febrile neutropenia |
5th | Broad (Advanced) | Best (incl. MRSA) | Good | Yes | Ceftaroline | MRSA infections, CAP, SSTIs |

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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
-
Which generation of cephalosporins is most effective against MRSA?
A. 1st
B. 3rd
C. 5th
D. 2nd
Answer: C. 5th -
Which of the following is a 4th generation cephalosporin?
A. Cephalexin
B. Cefepime
C. Ceftaroline
D. Cefuroxime
Answer: B. Cefepime -
Which cephalosporin generation has the best Gram-negative coverage, including Pseudomonas?
A. 1st
B. 2nd
C. 4th
D. 5th
Answer: C. 4th -
Ceftriaxone is primarily used in the treatment of which condition?
A. Skin infections
B. Pneumonia caused by MRSA
C. Gonorrhea
D. Otitis externa
Answer: C. Gonorrhea -
Which of the following cephalosporins is most suitable for surgical prophylaxis?
A. Ceftazidime
B. Cefazolin
C. Cefuroxime
D. Ceftaroline
Answer: B. Cefazolin
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