How do cephalosporins work in ways similar to penicillins?

Cephalosporins and penicillins are both classified as β-lactam antibiotics, and they share an identical mechanism of action. Both groups of drugs function by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial [cell wall].123

Specifically, these antibiotics interfere with the final stages of cell wall assembly, which involves the cross-linking of strands of wall material. By disrupting this process, the drugs cause alterations in the cell wall structure and shape, ultimately leading to the death of the bacterium.3

In addition to their shared mechanism, both classes of drugs are considered relatively nontoxic. However, because their chemical structures are similar, patients who are hypersensitive to penicillin may also experience allergic reactions when treated with cephalosporins.2