NCIt definition : A semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase-resistant, third-generation cephalosporin
with antibacterial activity. Cefditoren binds to and inactivates penicillin-binding
proteins (PBPs) located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall. PBPs are
enzymes involved in the terminal stages of assembling the bacterial cell wall and
in reshaping the cell wall during growth and division. Inactivation of PBPs interferes
with the cross-linkage of peptidoglycan chains necessary for bacterial cell wall strength
and rigidity. This results in the weakening of the bacterial cell wall and causes
cell lysis.;