Ambot

Generic Name: cephalexin

Brand name: Apo-Cephalex, Keflex, Novo-Lexin,
Nu-Cephalex, Panixine, Cefalin

Classification:
Therapeutic: anti-infective
Pharmacologic: first-generation cephalosporin

Date ordered: 12/13/10

Ordered dose of frequency: 500mg i tab

Route/ Dosage:
PO (Adults): Most infections- 250-500 mg q 6 hr. Uncomplicated cystitis, skin and soft tissue infections, streptococcal pharyngitis- 500 mg q 12 hr.
PO (Children): Most infections- 25-50 kg/day divided by q 6-8 hr. Uncomplicated cystitis, skin and soft tissue infections, streptococcal pharyngitis- 12.5-25 mg/kg q 12 hr.   Otitis media- 18.75-255 mg/kg mg q 6 hr.

Mechanism of Action:
• Bind to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing cell death.
• Therapeutic effects: bactericidal action against susceptible bacteria.
• Spectrum: Active against many gram-positive cocci.

Indication: Treatment of skin and skin structure infections,
Pneumonia, Otitis media, urinary tract infections, Bone and joint infections, Septicemia caused by susceptible organisms.

Contraindication: Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins. Serious hypersensitivity to penicillinase

Adverse Reactions/ Side effects: CNS:seizures (high doses). GI: pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps. Derm: rashes, pruritis, urticaria. Local: pain at IM site, phlebitis at IV site.

Drug interaction:
Drug-drug: Probenicid decreases excretion and increases blood levels of renally excreted cephalosprins. Concurrent use of loop diuretics or aminoglycosides may increase risk of renal toxicity.

Nursing responsibilities:
• Assess for infection at beginning and during therapy.
• Before initiating therapy, obtain a history to determine previous use of and reactions to penicillin and cephalosporin
• Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before initiating therapy.
• Observe patient with signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and advise patient to report signs of superinfection (furry...