cephalexin

Drug Name

Generic Name :  cephalexin
Brand Name: Apo-Cephalex (CAN), Biocef, Keflex, Novo-Lexin (CAN), Nu-Cephalex (CAN)
Classification: Antibiotic, Cephalosporin (first generation)
Pregnancy Category B

Dosage & Route

Adults

1–4 g/day in divided doses; 250 mg PO q 6 hr usual dose.

• Skin and skin structure infections: 500 mg PO q 12 hr. Larger doses may be needed in severe cases; do not exceed 4 g/day.

Pediatric Patients

25–50 mg/kg/day PO in divided doses.

• Skin and skin structure infections: Divide total daily dose, and give q 12 hr. Dosage may be doubled in severe cases.
• Otitis media: 75–100 mg/kg/day PO in four divided doses.

Therapeutic actions

• Bactericidal: Inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall, causing cell death.

Indications

• Respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci
• Skin and skin structure infections caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus
• Otitis media caused by S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus, staphylococcus, Moraxella catarrhalis
• Bone infections caused by staphylococcus, Proteus mirabilis
• GU infections caused by Escherichia coli, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella

Adverse effects

• CNS: Headache, dizziness, lethargy, paresthesias
• GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, flatulence, pseudomembranous colitis, hepatotoxicity
• GU: Nephrotoxicity
• Hematologic: Bone marrow depression
• Hypersensitivity: Ranging from rash to fever to anaphylaxis; serum sickness reaction
• Other: Superinfections

Contraindications

• Contraindicated with allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins.
• Use cautiously with renal failure, lactation, pregnancy.

Nursing considerations

Assessment

• History: Penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, pregnancy, or lactation
• Physical: Renal function tests, respiratory status, skin status; culture and sensitivity tests of infected area

Interventions

• Arrange for culture and sensitivity tests of infection before and during therapy if infection does not resolve.
• Give drug with meals; arrange for small, frequent meals if GI complications occur.
• Refrigerate suspension, discard after 14 days.

Teaching points

• Take this drug with food. Refrigerate suspension; discard any drug after 14 days.
• Complete the full course of this drug even if you feel better.
• This drug is prescribed for this particular infection; do not self-treat any other infection.
• You may experience these side effects: Stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea (take drug with food); diarrhea; headache, dizziness.
• Report severe diarrhea with blood, pus, or mucus; rash or hives; difficulty breathing; unusual tiredness, fatigue; unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Avoid alcohol while taking cephalexin.

Posted in: Pharmacology