An advantage of cephalosporins over penicillins is that they have a shorter duration of action so patients experience fewer side effects. True or False?

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Cephalosporins are not defined by a shorter duration of action; many have longer half-lives than penicillins, allowing less frequent dosing. Fewer side effects is not guaranteed and isn’t the main advantage; adverse effects can be similar, and allergic reactions to beta-lactams can occur with both classes. For example, ceftriaxone has a long half-life that supports once-daily dosing, whereas penicillin G often requires more frequent administration. So the statement is false.