Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What class of antibiotic is cefaclor also known as Ceclor?

1. Tetracycline

2. Cephalosporin

3. Penicillin

4. Macrolide

The correct answer is: Cephalosporin

Cefaclor, marketed under the brand name Ceclor, belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. Cephalosporins are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections by disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, ultimately leading to cell lysis and death. The cephalosporin class is characterized by its beta-lactam structure, similar to penicillins, but with improved effectiveness against certain resistant bacteria and an expanded spectrum of activity. Cefaclor specifically is often used to treat infections such as respiratory tract infections and skin infections. Understanding the class of antibiotics is important for healthcare professionals, as it informs their choice of treatment based on the type of bacteria involved and the susceptibility patterns in their patient population.