Drug Study
Drug Study
Drug Study
penicillin G benzathine
Trade Name
Bicillin L-A
Classification
Penicillin-Anti-infective
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits biosynthesis of cell-wall mucopeptide; kills penicillin-susceptible bacteria during active multiplication stage
Adverse Reactions
CNS: headache, lethargy, hallucinations, anxiety, neuropathy, fatigue, nervousness, tremors, euphoria, asthenia, Hoigne's syndrome, cerebrovascular accident, seizures, coma CV: hypotension, pulmonary hypertension, vasodilation, vasovagal reaction, syncope, palpitations, tachycardia, cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism EENT: blurred vision, vision loss, laryngeal edema GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric distress, abdominal pain, colitis, blood in stool, glossitis, pseudomembranous colitis GU: hematuria, proteinuria, urogenic bladder, erectile dysfunction, priapism, nephropathy, renal failure Hematologic: hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia Metabolic: hypernatremia, hyperkalemia Respiratory: dyspnea, hypoxia, apnea, pulmonary embolism Skin: rash, urticaria, sweating Other: fever, superinfection, injection site reactions and pain, Jarisch-Hersheimer reaction, anaphylaxis, serum sickness
Interactions
Aspirin, probenecid: increased penicillin blood level Erythromycins, tetracyclines: decreased antimicrobial activity of penicillin Hormonal contraceptives: decreased contraceptive efficacy
Nursing Considerations
Watch closely for anaphylaxis and serum sickness. In long-term therapy, monitor electrolyte levels and CBC with white cell differential; watch for electrolyte imbalances and blood dyscrasias. Assess neurologic status, especially for seizures and decreasing level of consciousness. Watch for evidence of superinfection and pseudomembranous colitis.
Generic Name
amikin sulfate
Trade Name
Amikin
Classification
Anti-infective- Aminoglycoside
Mechanism of Action
Interferes with protein synthesis in bacterial cells by binding to 30S ribosomal subunit, leading to bacterial cell death
Adults, children, and older infants: 250 mg I.M. or I.V. twice daily
Adverse Reactions
CNS: dizziness, vertigo, tremor, numbness, depression, confusion, lethargy, headache, paresthesia, ataxia, neuromuscular blockade, seizures, neurotoxicity CV: hypotension, hypertension, palpitations EENT: nystagmus and other visual disturbances, ototoxicity, hearing loss, tinnitus GI: nausea, vomiting, splenomegaly, stomatitis, increased salivation, anorexia GU: azotemia, increased urinary excretion of casts, polyuria, painful urination, impotence, nephrotoxicity Hematologic: purpura, eosinophilia, leukemoid reaction, aplastic anemia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, hemolytic anemia Hepatic: hepatomegaly, hepatic necrosis, hepatotoxicity Musculoskeletal: joint pain, muscle twitching Respiratory: apnea Skin: rash, alopecia, urticaria, itching, exfoliative dermatitis Other: weight loss, superinfection, pain and irritation at I.M. site
Interactions
Acyclovir, amphotericin B, cephalosporin, cisplatin, diuretics, vancomycin: increased risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity Depolarizing and nondepolarizing neuromuscular junction blockers, general anesthetics: increased amikacin effect, possibly leading to respiratory depression Dimenhydrinate: masking of ototoxicity signs and symptoms Indomethacin: increased trough and peak amikacin levels Parenteral penicillin: amikacin inactivation
Nursing Considerations
Monitor kidney function test results and urine cultures, output, protein, and specific gravity. Monitor results of peak and trough drug blood levels. Evaluate for signs and symptoms of ototoxicity (hearing loss, tinnitus, ataxia, and vertigo). Assess for secondary superinfections, particularly upper respiratory tract infections.