Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin used to treat susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infections. It is used to treat gonorrhea, meningitis, and severe infections including infections of the kidney (pyelonephritis) and urinary system. Also used before an operation to prevent infection after surgery. action The bactericidal activity of cefotaxime results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis via affinity for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Penicillin binding proteins are responsible for glycosyltransferase and transpeptidase reactions that lead to cross-linking of D-alanine and D-aspartic acid in bacterial cell walls. Inhibition of this protein leads to upregulation of autolytic enzymes and inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cefotaxime is bactericidal and kills off the bacteria that it affects.

Cefotaxime Pathway References