Antimicrobials: ceftaroline: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Antimicrobials: ceftaroline

Sample item

Which cephalosporin has activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ceftaroline

Ceftaroline, a fifth-generation cephalosporin, binds PBP2a of MRSA and also covers common respiratory pathogens, though not Pseudomonas. Ceftobiprole is another with anti-MRSA action.

Option by option

  • A. Cefotaxime

    Cefotaxime is inactive against MRSA.

  • B. Cefuroxime

    Cefuroxime is inactive against MRSA.

  • C. Ceftaroline (correct)

    Correct. Ceftaroline binds PBP2a.

  • D. Ceftazidime

    Ceftazidime is antipseudomonal, not anti-MRSA.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is C, Ceftaroline. Ceftaroline, a fifth-generation cephalosporin, binds PBP2a of MRSA and also covers common respiratory pathogens, though not Pseudomonas.

Why is "Cefotaxime" not the answer?

Cefotaxime is inactive against MRSA.

Why is "Cefuroxime" not the answer?

Cefuroxime is inactive against MRSA.

Why is "Ceftazidime" not the answer?

Ceftazidime is antipseudomonal, not anti-MRSA.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antimicrobials: ceftaroline in Pharmacology. Ceftobiprole is another with anti-MRSA action.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antimicrobials: ceftaroline?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.