Anti-infectives, Cephalosporins

Question 1

cephalexin

cephalosporins, First gen

Answer 1

purpose: tx of upper & lower resp tract, urinary tract, skin, bone & otitis media infections

SE: diarrhea, anaphylaxis, nausea, rash, headache, nephrotoxicity, dyspnea, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver function tests

Nurs con:- peak 1 hour, duration usually 6 hours, but may be up to 12 hrs with decreased renal fx

• take for 10-14 days
• possible cross allergy to penicillin
• may cause false positive of urine glucose

Question 2

Cefuroxime

cephalosporins, second gen

Answer 2

purpose: tx of lower resp tract, urinary tract, skin, bone, joint & gonococcal infections and of septicemia & meningitis

SE: N, V, D, headache, rash, elevated liver function tests, nephrotoxicity, thrombocytopenia

Nurs con: take for 10-14 days to prevent superinfection

• may cause increased BUN and serum creatine
• may cause false positive urine glucose
• possible cross allergy to penicillin

Question 3

Cefdinir

cepholosporins, third gen

Answer 3

purpose: tx of acute exacerbation’s of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, tonsilitis & skin infections

SE: N, V, D, anorexia, rash, elevated liver function tests, headache, oral & vaginal candidiasis, dizziness, neurotoxicity, thrombocytopenia

Nurs con: -take 10-14 days to prevent superinfection

• do not give antacids or iron supplements within 2 hours
• may cause false positive for urine glucose
• possible cross allergy to penicillin

Question 4

Cefepime

cephalosporins, fourth gen

Answer 4

Purpose: tx of resp tract, urinary tract, skin & bone infections

SE: N, V, D, anorexia, elevated liver function tests, rash, headache, dyspnea, nephrotoxicity

Nurs con: IV: peak 30 mins

• IM: peak 2 hours
• may cause false positive for urine glucose
• possible cross allergy to penicillin