DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF INDICATION / ADVERSE EFFECT NURSING

ACTION CONTRAINDICATION RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERIC: Cefuroxime is a bactericidal
CEFUROXIME agent that works by
BRAND: preventing bacteria from
ZINACEF forming cell walls.
CLASS: Cefuroxime is active in the
CEPHALOSPORINS, presence of several beta-
2ND GENERATION lactamases from Gram-
THERAPEUTIC negative and Gram-positive
ANTIBIOTIC bacteria, including
FREQUENCY: penicillinases and
BID cephalosporinases.
DOSAGE: SOURCE:
750mg RxList. (2021, May 27).
ROUTE: Zinacef (CEFUROXIME):
IV Uses, dosage, side effects,
interactions, warning.
RxList. Retrieved
November 21, 2021, from
https://www.rxlist.com/zina
cef-drug.htm.
INDICATIONs:
Susceptible mild to
moderate infections
including
pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute
maxillary sinusitis, chronic
bronchitis, acute otitis
media, uncomplicated skin
and skin structure, UTIs,
gonorrhea, early Lyme
disease.
CONTRAINDICATION:
Contraindicated in patients
with cephalosporin
hypersensitivity or
cephamycin
hypersensitivity.
BODY AS A WHOLE:
Thrombophlebitis (IV site):
Pain, burning,
GI: Diarrhea, nausea,
antibiotic associated colitis.
Skin: Rash, pruritus,
urticarial.
Urogenital: Increased
serum cretonne and BUN,
decreased creatinine
clearance.
BEFORE:
Dx:
• • Check for the
expiration date.
• • Determine history
of hypersensitivity reactions
to cephalosporin, penicillin,
and history of allergies
particularly to drugs before
therapy is initiated,
Tx:
• • Perform culture
and sensitivity tests before
initiation of therapy and
periodically during therapy
if indicated. Therapy may
be instituted pending tests
results.
Edx:
 • • Advice SO to inform
14 physician/ clinicians if an allergic
reaction occurs.
DURING:
Dx:
• • Inspect IV injection sites
frequently for signs of phlebitis.
• • Monitor for manifestations
of hypersensitivity.
Tx:
• • Discontinue if
hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
Edx:
• • Advice SO to inform
physician/ clinicians if an allergic
reaction occurs.
AFTER:
Dx:
• • Watch for seizures; notify
physician immediately if patient
develops or increases seizure activity.
• • Monitor signs of
pseudomembranous colitis, including
diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, pus
or mucus in stools, and other severe or
prolonged GI problems (nausea,
vomiting, heartburn). Notify physician
or nursing staff immediately of these
signs.
• • Monitor injection site for
pain, swelling, and irritation. Report
prolonged or excessive injection site
reactions to the physician.
Tx:
• • Observe IV dressing to
ensure that it is clean and intact.