Cephalexin vs Vancomycin

Cephalexin vs Vancomycin: Overview

This comparison examines the pharmacological differences between Cephalexin and Vancomycin.

Mechanism of Action

Cephalexin: First-generation cephalosporin inhibiting cell wall synthesis.

Vancomycin: Glycopeptide antibiotic inhibiting cell wall synthesis by binding D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life: Cephalexin — 0.5-1.2 hours; Vancomycin — 4-6 hours.

Chemical Properties

Molecular Formula: Cephalexin — C16H17N3O4S; Vancomycin — C66H75Cl2N9O24.

Molecular Weight: Cephalexin — 347.3890 g/mol; Vancomycin — 1449.2500 g/mol.

Type: Cephalexin — Small molecule; Vancomycin — Small molecule.