RNpedia.

com
“Nursing Notes and Community”
Drug Name Dosages Therapeutic Indications Adverse effects Contraindicat Nursing considerations
Actions ions
cephalexin Adults Bactericidal:  Respiratory tract  CNS:  Contraindic Assessment
(sef a lex' in) 1–4 g/day in divided Inhibits infections caused by Headache, ated with  History: Penicillin or
Apo-Cephalex doses; 250 mg PO q synthesis of Streptococcus dizziness, allergy to cephalosporin allergy,
(CAN), Biocef, 6 hr usual dose. bacterial cell pneumoniae, group lethargy, cephalospo pregnancy, or lactation
Keflex, Novo-  Skin and skin wall, causing cell A beta-hemolytic paresthesias rins or  Physical: Renal function tests,
Lexin (CAN), structure death. streptococci penicillins. respiratory status, skin status;
Nu-Cephalex infections: 500  GI: Nausea, culture and sensitivity tests of
(CAN) mg PO q 12 hr.  Skin and skin vomiting,  Use infected area
Larger doses may structure infections diarrhea, cautiously
Pregnancy be needed in caused by anorexia, with renal Interventions
Category B severe cases; do staphylococcus, abdominal failure,  Arrange for culture and
not exceed 4 streptococcus pain, lactation, sensitivity tests of infection
Drug classes g/day. flatulence, pregnancy. before and during therapy if
 Antibiotic  Otitis media caused pseudomembr infection does not resolve.
 Cephalospori Pediatric Patients by S. pneumoniae, anous colitis,
 Give drug with meals; arrange
n (first 25–50 mg/kg/day Haemophilus hepatotoxicity
for small, frequent meals if GI
generation) PO in divided doses. influenzae,
complications occur.
 Skin and skin streptococcus,  GU:
staphylococcus, Nephrotoxicity
structure  Refrigerate suspension,
infections: Divide Moraxella catarrhalis
discard after 14 days.
 Hematologic:
total daily dose,
 Bone infections Bone marrow
and give q 12 hr. Teaching points
caused by depression
Dosage may be  Take this drug with food.
staphylococcus,
doubled in severe Refrigerate suspension;
Proteus mirabilis  Hypersensitiv
cases. discard any drug after 14
ity: Ranging
 Otitis media: 75–  GU infections from rash to days.
100 mg/kg/day caused by fever to  Complete the full course of
PO in four divided Escherichia coli, P. anaphylaxis; this drug even if you feel
doses. mirabilis, Klebsiella serum better.
sickness
reaction  This drug is prescribed for this
particular infection; do not
 Other: self-treat any other infection.
Superinfection
s  You may experience these
side effects: Stomach upset,
loss of appetite, nausea (take
drug with food); diarrhea;
headache, dizziness.

 Report severe diarrhea with

RNpedia.com
“Nursing Notes and Community”
blood, pus, or mucus; rash or
hives; difficulty breathing;
unusual tiredness, fatigue;
unusual bleeding or bruising.

 Avoid alcohol while taking

cephalexin.

http://RNpedia.com- “Nursing Notes and Community”