Cephalosporin

Name:
Cephalosporin
Detailed information:
Any of a family of antibiotics related to penicillin, discovered in 1953; an important member of this group was synthesized by Woodward in 1966. Several cephalosporins are used clinically (cephalothin, cephaloridine, and cephalexin). The molecule contains a fused β-lactam-dihydrothiazine ring system with an N-acyl side chain and an acetoxy group attached to the dihydrothiazine ring. The formula for cephalosporin (C) is C₁₆H₂₁N₃O₈S. Cephalosporins are reported to be free from the allergic reactions common with penicillin. Development of new cephalosporin derivatives is being actively pursued.See Penicillin; Antibiotic.