Drug Study: CEFAZOLIN

Name of the Drug Drug Mechanism of Side Effects and Adverse Contraindications Nursing Responsibilities
(Generic name, Brand Classification Action Reactions
name, Dose, Route,
Dosage)
Generic Name: Cephalosporin Cefazolin binds to 1 Gastrointestinal: History of hypersensitivity/ BASELINE ASSESSMENT:
Cefazolin s or more of the Diarrhea, oral candidiasis, anaphylactic reaction to  Assess for infection (vital signs,
penicillin-binding mouth ulcers, vomiting, cephalosporins. appearance of wounds, sputum,
Brand Name: proteins (PBPs) nausea, stomach cramps, Cautions: Severe renal urine, stool, WBC) at the beginning
Kefzol, Ancef which inhibits the epigastric pain, impairment, history of and during therapy.
final heartburn, flatus, penicillin allergy, history of  Assess patient for skin rash
Dosage: transpeptidation anorexia and seizures. frequently during therapy.
500 mg step of pseudomembranous  Before initiating therapy, obtain
peptidoglycan colitis. Onset of history to determine previous use of
Frequency: synthesis in the pseudomembranous and reaction to cephalosporins.
Q8H bacterial cell wall, colitis symptoms may
thus inhibiting occur during or after INTERVENTION/EVALUATION:
Route: biosynthesis and antibacterial
IV arresting cell wall treatment  Evaluate IM site for induration and
assembly resulting Allergic: Anaphylaxis, tenderness.
in bacterial cell eosinophilia, urticaria,  Assess oral cavity for white patches
death. itching, drug fever, skin on mucous membranes, tongue
rash, Stevens-Johnson (thrush).
syndrome.  Monitor daily pattern of bowel
Definition: Hematologic: activity, stool consistency.
Neutropenia, leukopenia,  Mild GI effects may be tolerable
Parenteral first- thrombocytopenia, (increasing severity may indicate
generation thrombocythemia. onset of antibiotic-associated colitis)
cephalosporin Hepatic: Transient rise in  Monitor I&O, renal function tests for
Used for the alanine aminotransferase nephrotoxicity.
respiratory tract, (ALT), aspartate  Be alert for superinfection: fever,
urinary tract, skin aminotransferase (AST), vomiting, diarrhea, anal/genital
and skin structure, hepatitis and alkaline pruritus, oral mucosal changes
biliary tract, bone, phosphatase (ulceration, pain, and erythema).
joint, and genital levels have been
infections as well as observed.
sepsis, Renal: Increased BUN and
endocarditis, and creatinine levels, renal
perioperative failure PATIENT/FAMILY TEACHING:
prophylaxis Local Reactions: Phlebitis
Greater activity injection  Instruct patient and family caregivers
against gram- Other Reactions: Pruritus to report other troublesome side
positive bacteria (including genital, vulvar, effects such as severe or prolonged
than most other and anal pruritus, genital skin problems (rash, hives, itching) or
cephalosporins, but moniliasis, and vaginitis). GI problems (nausea, vomiting,
limited activity Dizziness, fainting, diarrhea)
against gram- Light headedness,  Discomfort may occur with IM
negative bacteria. confusion, weakness, injection.
tiredness, hypotension,
somnolence, and
headache.

Adverse Effect:

Antibiotic-associated
colitis and other
superinfections
(abdominal cramps,
severe watery diarrhea,
fever) may result from
altered bacterial balance.
Nephrotoxicity may
occur, esp. in pts with
pre-existing renal disease.
Patients with a history of
penicillin allergy are at
increased risk for
developing severe
hypersensitivity reactions
(severe pruritus,
angioedema,
bronchospasm,
anaphylaxis).