Date:September 9, 2021
Name of Student: Padilla, Noreen M.
Level/Block/Group: 3BSN3
NAME OF DRUG
MECHANISM OF
ACTION
GENERIC NAME
Interferes with bacterial
cell-wall synthesis, causing
cell to rupture and die.
Active against many grampositive bacteria; shows
limited activity against
gram-negative bacteria.
Cephalexin
BRAND NAME
Keflex
CLASSIFICATION
Anti-infective;
antibiotic; first-generation
cephalosporin
Pregnancy
Category: B
INDICATION
To treat infections caused
by susceptible pathogens
in respiratory and urinary
tracts, middle ear, skin,
soft tissue, and bone.
DOSAGE &
FREQUENCY
Hospital/Area:
CONTRAINDICATIONS
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Contraindicated with
allergy to
cephalosporins or
penicillins
Use cautiously with
renal failure, lactation,
pregnancy.
SIDE EFFECTS
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Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Stomach pain
Rectal or genital
itching
Dizziness
Extreme tiredness
Agitation
Confusion
Headache
Joint pain
Clinical Instructor: Ma’am Ningning A. Gandela
ADVERSE EFFECTS
CNS: fever, headache, lethargy,
paresthesia, syncope, seizures
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Assessment & Drug Effects

CV: edema, hypotension,
vasodilation, palpitations, chest
pain
EENT: hearing loss

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal cramps, oral candidiasis,
pseudomembranous colitis
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GU: vaginal candidiasis,
nephrotoxicity
Hematologic: lymphocytosis,
eosinophilia, bleeding tendency,
hemolytic anemia, neutropenia,
thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis,
bone marrow depression
Patient & Family Education
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Musculoskeletal: joint pain
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Respiratory: dyspnea
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Skin: rash, maculopapular and
erythematous urticaria
Other: superinfection, chills, pain,
allergic reaction, hypersensitivity
reactions including anaphylaxis,
serum sickness
Determine history of
hypersensitivity reactions to
cephalosporins and penicillin
and history of other drug
allergies before therapy is
initiated.
Lab tests: Evaluate renal and
hepatic function periodically in
patients receiving prolonged
therapy.
Monitor for manifestations of
hypersensitivity.Discontinue
drug and report their appearance
promptly.
Take medication for the full
course of therapy as directed by
physician.
Keep physician informed if
adverse reactions appear.
Be alert to sign and symptoms
of superinfections .These
symptoms should be reported
promptly and appropriate
therapy instituted.
Mild to Moderate
Infection
Adult: PO 250–500 mg
q6h
Child: PO 25–100
mg/kg/d in 4 divided
doses
Skin and Skin Structure
Infections
Adult: PO 500 mg q12h
Otitis Media
Child: PO 75–100
mg/kg/d in 4 divided
doses
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Do not breast feed while taking
this drug.