Cephalexin

Generic Name

cephalexin

Trade Name

Keflex

Indication

skin infections, pneumonia, UTI, otitis media

Action

bactericidal: binds to bacterial cell wall leading to cell death

Therapeutic Class

anti-infectives

Pharmacologic Class

Cephalosporin 1st generations

Nursing Considerations

contraindicated with cephalosporin and serious penicillin allergies.

may need lead to seizures, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, phlebitis at IV site, anaphylaxis

Assess infection and allergies

obtain cultures prior to therapy

monitor bowel function

may lead to super infection

may cause elevated liver enzymes