cephradine

cephradine /ceph·ra·dine/ (sef´rah-dēn) a semisynthetic first-generation cephalosporin, effective against a wide range of gram-positive and a limited range of gram-negative bacteria.

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cephradine

[sef′rədēn]

an oral first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of certain infections caused by susceptible bacterial strains causing respiratory, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, skin and soft tissue, and bone and joint infections, or septicemia. It is effective against many gram-positive bacilli and cocci (other than enterococcus) and some gram-negative bacilli.

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to this drug or to any cephalosporin medication prohibits its use. It is prescribed with caution for patients who are allergic to penicillin.

adverse effects Nausea, diarrhea, and hypersensitivity reactions may occur.

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cephradine [sef´rah-dēn]

a semisynthetic first-generation cephalosporinantibiotic effective against a wide range of gram-positive and a limited range of gram-negative bacteria; administered orally or parenterally.

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cephradine (sef´rdēn),

n brand name: Velosef;
drug class: first-generation cephalosporin;
action: inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, rendering cell wall osmotically unstable;
uses: removal of gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive organisms from serious respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin infections and otitis media.

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cephradine

a first generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a spectrum of activity similar to cephalexin.

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cephradine

Nicef (UK), Velosef

Pharmacologic class: First-generation cephalosporin

Therapeutic class: Anti-infective

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Interferes with bacterial cell-wall synthesis, causing cell to rupture and die. Active against many gram-positive bacteria; shows limited activity against gram-negative bacteria.

Availability

Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg

Oral suspension: 125 mg/5 ml, 250 mg/5 ml

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Respiratory, skin, and other infections

Adults: 250 to 1,000 mg P.O. q 6 to 12 hours. For severe or chronic infection, dosage may be increased up to 1 g q 6 hours.

Children older than age 9 months: 25 to 50 mg/kg/day P.O. q 6 hours in divided doses. For otitis media, usual dosage is 75 to 100 mg/kg/day P.O. q 6 to 12 hours in divided doses.

Dosage adjustment

• Renal impairment

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or penicillin

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• renal impairment, phenylketonuria
• history of GI disease
• debilitated or emaciated patients
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Give drug with food if it causes GI upset.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Rapid	1-2 hr	6-12 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, lethargy, paresthesia, syncope, seizures

CV: hypotension, vasodilation, palpitations, chest pain, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis

EENT: hearing loss, scleral yellowing

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramps, oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous colitis

GU: vaginal candidiasis, nephrotoxicity

Hematologic: anemia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, bleeding tendency, leukopenia, bone marrow depression, hypoprothrombinemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis

Hepatic: hepatomegaly

Musculoskeletal: joint pain

Respiratory: dyspnea

Skin: rash, maculopapular and erythematous urticaria, yellow skin discoloration

Other: chills, fever, edema, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, serum sickness

Interactions

Drug-drug. Aminoglycosides, loop diuretics: increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Probenecid: increased cephradine blood level

Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, eosinophils, lactate dehydrogenase, lymphocytes: increased levels

Coombs' test: false-positive result (especially in neonates whose mothers received drug before delivery)

Granulocytes, neutrophils, white blood cells: decreased counts

Patient monitoring

• Assess for signs and symptoms of serious adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity, jaundice, and bleeding.
• Monitor liver and kidney function test results.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take drug with full glass of water.
☞ Instruct patient to immediately report severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting.
☞ Advise patient to stop taking drug and contact prescriber immediately if rash occurs.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.

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cephradine

Anspor^®, Velosef^® A semisynthetic oral/IV cephalosporin excreted unchanged in the urine which accumulates in serum; it is contraindicated in renal failure