DRUG CARD GRID

Drug name Keflex (Cephalexin)

Generic and Trade
Classification Anti-infectives, first generation cephalosporins
Adult Dose 250-500mg q6hr maximum 4g per day (Most infections)
500mg q12hr (Pharyngitis)
Pediatric Dose 25-50mg/kg day divided q6-8 (most infections)
75-100mg/kg day divided q6 (Otis Media)
Pharmacokinetics Well absorbed after oral administration. Widely distributed. Crosses
(absorption, distribution, the placenta and enters breast milk in low concentrations. Poor CSF
metabolism, excretion) penetration. Excreted almost entirely unchanged in the urine.

Contraindications/ Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, hypersensitivity to

Precautions Penicillin.
Renal Impairment, GI disease, and breastfeeding mothers
Interactions Drug/drug Drug/Food other
Aminoglycosides Acidic foods
Probenecid
Loop Diuretics

Nursing Assess for the following: Infection, skin rash, anaphylaxis,

Implications/ monitor bowl function,
Considerations
Ask if there is a history of allergy to penicillin/antibiotics
Side effects (May skip GI) Seizures, rash, urticaria, eosinophilia, neutropenia,
thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
ADVERSE reaction
Onset/peak (insulin only)

Therapeutic levels? (If blood serum level can be taken, list the normal range)
Evaluation of drug Resolution of signs and symptoms of infection. Length of time for
(How will you evaluate complete resolution depends on the organism and site of infection.
the effectiveness of
this drug?)
Why is your patient Patient would receive this drugs for infection by a susceptible
receiving this drug? organism such as ear infection

Important patient  Notify physician in case of fever and diarrhea, especially if the
teaching diarrhea contains blood, pus, or mucus.
 Report any signs of superinfection and allergy.
 Take medication at evenly spaced times, completely and as
directed even if feeling better.
 Advise patient that sharing this medication may be
dangerous.
 Do Not Double dose
 For Pediatrics use measuring tool
Any reason why you Lactating mothers
should not give this Patients with allergies to penicilins
medication to your
patient?