MEDICATION

Name: Ellie Yarbrough

Medication Name: Ancef (Cefazolin)

Drug Classification: Therapeutic: anti-infectives

Pharmacologic: first-generation cephalosporins

Indication for Patient: Treats the following infections caused by susceptible organisms: skin
infections, pneumonia, UTI, bone and joint infections, genital infections, and GI infections. It
specifically can be used to treat diverticulitis, which is an infection of the small pouches in the
digestive tract. It is also used prophylactically for surgeries, dental procedures, and respiratory
procedures.

Action/Therapeutic Use: It binds to the bacterial cell wall, causing cell death. It has a bactericidal
effect against susceptible bacteria. It works against many gram-positive cocci and some gram-
negative rods.

Contraindications/Precautions: Contraindications: hypersensitivities to cephalosporins and severe

hypersensitivities to penicillin. Use cautiously in: renal impairments, history of colitis, and
pregnancy

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects: seizures when used in high doses, Clostridium Difficile
Associated Diarrhea (CDAD), super infections, nausea, vomiting, rashes, pruitis, hemolytic
anemia, pain at IM site, phlebitis at IV site, anaphylaxis

Interactions: Drug-Drug: Probenecid (decreases excretion and increases blood levels), loop
diuretics and aminoglycosides (may increase risk of renal toxicity)

Nursing Implications (Assessments/Labs Considerations): Assess the infection before and during
therapy; ensure that you gather any necessary cultures before beginning the therapy; ensure the
patient does not have an allergy to cephalosporins or penicillin; observe for signs and symptoms
of anaphylaxis and discontinue medication as soon as issues occur; monitor bowel function for
signs of CDAD; this medicine may cause an increase in ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine, bilirubin;

Client Education: Ensure the patient understands the importance of finishing the amount of
medication prescribed to them, even if they begin to feel better; taking this medication with food
may ease the GI irritation; advise patient to notify the HCP of signs and symptoms of a new
infection or an allergy; tell patient not to treat diarrhea at home if it contains blood or pus, they
should contact HCP.
Textbook Reference: (Pharmacology: Connections to Nursing Practice, 3rd edition pg. pg 759-
761)
-Adams, M., & 1951-. (2010). Pharmacology: connections to nursing practice. Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

(Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses; Sixteenth Edition; pages 299-302)

- Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Quiring, C. (2019). Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses.
Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.

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