Oral cephalosporins: newer agents and their place in therapy.

Cefprozil, cefpodoxime and loracarbef are three new oral cephalosporins available for the treatment of common community-acquired infections. They share with other cephalosporins a low incidence of side effects and offer the convenience of twice-daily dosing. These agents can be considered effective, although expensive, alternatives to traditional antibiotics in the treatment of skin, respiratory tract and urinary tract infections. Oral cefpodoxime offers an alternative to intramuscular antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea.