Keflex

Question 1

Keflex classification, mechanism of action and indications:

Answer 1

generic name: Cephalexin
brand name: keflex

classification: antibiotic

MOA: Cephalexin is a bactericidal agent that acts by the inhibition of bacterial cell-wall synthesis.

indications: respiratory tract infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes), otitis media, skin and skin structure infections, bone infections, genitourinary tract infections.

**To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Keflex and other antibacterial drugs, Keflex should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. **

Question 2

Keflex nursing assessment and patient education

and method of administration

Answer 2

nursing assessment: assess for penicillin allergy, assess for allergic reaction (hives), assess for renal impairment (before or after)
assess for seizure history

method of administration: oral administration, without respect to meals.

patient and family education: advise patients that allergic reactions can occur–serious reactions require immediate treatment. advise patients that diarrhea will more than likely happen and it will go away as soon as the med is stopped. advise patients that keflex cannot treat viral infections. Also advise patients to take the whole course of the drug, even though they may feel better.

Question 3

Cephalexin (Keflex) side effects (contraindications) and FDIs

Answer 3

common side effects:
diarrhea

any life-threatening side effects or contraindications?
Keflex is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalexin or other members of the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drug. 
hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions), seizure potential, hemolytic anemia (d/t acute intravascular hemolysis), prolonged pro-thrombin time, development of drug resistant bacteria.

Renal Impairment
Keflex should be administered with careful monitoring in the presence of renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, with or without dialysis).

FDI:
Metformin: administration of Keflex with metformin results in increased plasma metformin concentrations and decreased renal clearance of metformin. Careful patient monitoring and dose adjustment of metformin is recommended in patients concomitantly taking Keflex and metformin
Probenecid: the renal excretion of Keflex is inhibited by probenecid. Co-administration of probenecid with Keflex is not recommended.