DRUG STUDY CARD

GENERIC NAME: cephalexin

TRADE NAME(S): Keflex, Apo-Cephalex, Novo-Lexin, Nu-

Cephalex

CLASSIFICATION: THERAPEUTIC: anti-infective -

PHARMACOLOGIC :1ST Generation cephalosporins

THERAPEUTIC ACTION(S)/EFFECT(S): Bactericidal action

against susceptible bacteria. Bind to bacterial cell wall
membrane, causing cell death.

USES/INDICATIONS: Treatment of: Skin infections-

Pneumonia-Ottis media-Urinary tract infections-Bone and
Joint infections-Septicemia. Not suitalble for the treatment
of meningitis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS/CAUTIONS:

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

serious hypersensitivity to penicillins.

Use Cautiously In: Renal impairment- History of G.I.

disease- Geriatric patients (consider age, wt., body mass,
current medications, and chronic disease states) OB-
Pregnancy or lactation (half-life is shorter and blood levels
lower).

NORMAL DOSAGE AND ROUTE(S):

PO (ADULTS): Most infections - 250-500 mg q 6 hr.

Uncomplaicated cystitis, skin and soft tissue infections,
streplococcal pharyngitis -500 mg q 12 hr.

PO (CHILDREN): Most infections- 25-50 mg kg/day divided

q 6-8 hr.
PHARMACOKINETICS: Absorption-Rapid. Distribution-
Widely, across placenta and enters breast milk in low
concentrations. Half-life-50-80 mins.(increased in renal
impairment)

ADVERSE EFFECTS/COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: CNS:

SEIZURES (HIGH DOSES) dizziness, fatigue, headache GI:
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps. DERMA: rashes,
pruritis, urticaria. HEMAT: blood dyscrasias, anemaia.
Allergic reactions: anaphylaxis and serum sickness. GU:
vaginitis, vaginal discharge.

INTERACTIONS: DRUG-DRUG : Probenecid- decrease

excretion and increased blood levels of really excreted
cephalosporins. Concurrent use of loop diuretics or
aminoglycosides may increase risk of renal toxicity.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS OF ADMINISTRATION:

Assessment

•Assess for infection (vital signs,appearance of wound,

sputum, urine and stool,WBC) at the beginning and
during therapy.

•before initiating therapy obtain hx of

cephalosporin/penicillin hypersensitivity.

•obtain C&S before therapy.

•assess renal function; decreased dosage if impaired

•observe patient for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

(rash,pruritus,laryngeal edema, wheezing)
Discontinue drug and notify physician .

Implementation

•PO: Administer around the clock. May be given of full or

 empty stomach. Given with food may minimize GI
irritation. Shake oral suspension well before giving and
refrigerate .

TEACHING POINTS:

•Instruct Patient to complete full course of therapy even if

symtoms subside.

•Can be taken with meals; best on empty stomach

•Take at equal intervals around clock to maintain

blood levels. Missed dose should be taken as
soon as possible unless almost time for next
dose, do not double dose.

•Advise patient to report any sign of superinfection

(furry overgrowth on tongue, vaginal discharge
or itching, loose foul smelling stools)

•Instruct patient to notify Heath Care Professionals

to report if fever and diarrehea develop. Advise
patient not to treat diarrhea.

•Increse fluid intake.

•Notify physician of symptoms of allergic reaction.

(fever, difficulty breathing, rash)

•Caution patient that alcohol should be avoided

during and for several day after theraphy.

•Carry identification (medical-alert) if

cephalosporin allergic.