Cefalotin

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Cefalotin

Cefalotin (pronounced: sef-a-LOE-tin) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is primarily used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls.

Etymology

The term "Cefalotin" is derived from the Greek words "kephale" meaning "head" and "thio" meaning "sulfur". This is in reference to the chemical structure of the drug, which contains a sulfur atom and a beta-lactam ring, which is reminiscent of a head.

Usage

Cefalotin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu).

Related Terms

  • Cephalosporin: A class of antibiotics derived from the mold Acremonium, which was previously known as "Cephalosporium".
  • Bacterial Cell Wall: A rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane, providing protection and shape.
  • Peptidoglycan: A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall.
  • Antibiotic: A type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections.

See Also

External links

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