Notre Dame University
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
DRUG ORDER MECHANISM OF
(4) ACTION (4)
Generic Name: Pharmacodynamics
Cephalexin (also called
Cephalexin Cefalexin) is a first
__________________ generation cephalosporin
Brand Name: antibiotic.7,8 It is one of
the most widely
Keflex prescribed antibiotics,
__________________ often used for the
Pharmacologic treatment of superficial
Classification: infections that result as
complications of minor
Cephalosporin wounds or
Antibiotics lacerations.Label It is
__________________ effective against most
Therapeutic gram-positive bacteria
Classification: through its inihibition of
the cross linking reaction
Anti-infective Agents between N-acetyl
_________________ muramicacid and N-
acetylglucosamine in the
cell wall, leading to cell
lysis.9
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Well absorbed from the
upper gastrointestinal
tract with nearly 100%
oral
bioavailability.3,4 Cephal
exin is not absorbed in
the stomach but is
absorbed in the upper
intestine.5Patients taking
Cotabato City
DRUG STUDY No. 1
INDICATION ADVERSE EFFECTS NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
(3)/ (1) (7)
CONTRAINDICATION (1)
Why is it given? Before Administration(2)
 Cephalexin is  Urticaria, pruritus, rash, fever, and
 Check the right patient, drug, dosage, route,
indicated for the chills reactions resembling serum
time, documentation, assessment,
treatment of sickness, eosin-ophilia, joint pain
evaluation and client’s education.
certain infections or inflammation, edema,
caused by erythema, genital and anal  Confirm the patient’s identity and ensure
susceptible pruritus, angioedema, shock, that he/she is not allergic to this drug.
bacteria. These hypotension Check expiration date.
infections include
respiratory tract During Administration (3):
infections, otitis  Inform the patient/client
media, skin and  Explain drug information and the possible
skin structure
effects.
infections, bone
infections, and  Get a glass of water, instruct to swallow
genitourinary tract whole except for chewable tablets,
infections
After Administration (2):
When is it not given?  Check and monitor’s patient’s reaction to
 Cephalexin does not the drug.
treat viral infection  Instruct client and watcher to report unusual
(e.g., common cold). symptoms.
Prescribing in the
absence of a proven or
strongly suspected
bacterial infection or a
prophylactic indication
is unlikely to provide
benefit to the patient
and increases the risk
of the development of
drug-resistant bacteria
(antimicrobial
resistance). Patients
250mg of cephalexin
reach a maximum plasma
concentration of
7.7mcg/mL and patients
taking 500mg reach
12.3mcg/mL.1
Volume of distribution
5.2-5.8L.6
Protein binding
Cephalexin is 10-15%
bound to serum
proteinsLabel,13 including
serum albumin.10
Metabolism
Cephalexin is not
metabolized in the
body.2,Label,13,14
Route of elimination
Cephalexin is over 90%
excreted in the urine
after 6 hours1 by
glomerular filtration and
tubular
secretionLabel,13,14 with a
mean urinary recovery of
99.3%.3 Cephalexin is
unchanged in the
urine.1,2,3
Half-life
The half life of
cephalexin is 49.5
minutes in a fasted state
and 76.5 minutes with
food though these times
were not significantly
different in the study.3
Clearance
Clearance from one
subject was 376mL/min.3
should be told to
complete the full
course of treatment,
even if they feel better
earlier.
 Cephalexin is
contraindicated for use
in patients with
cephalosporin
hypersensitivity.
Cephalosporins cause
hypersensitivity
reactions in <= 5% of
patients receiving
them.
 Cephalexin should be
used with caution in
patients with renal
impairment or renal
failure since the drug is
eliminated via renal
mechanisms. The
degree of renal
impairment and the
severity of the
infection will
determine if renal dose
adjustments or dosage
interval adjustments
are required. Dosages
may need to be
reduced in these
patients.
Usual Dose:
capsule
 250mg
 500mg
 750mg
oral suspension
 125mg/5mL
 250mg/5mL
tablet
 250mg
 500mg
Genitourinary Tract
 Infections
250 mg PO q6hr; dosage
range, 1-4 g/day in divided
doses

Bone Infections
250 mg PO q6hr; dosage
range, 1-4 g/day in divided
doses

Uncomplicated Cystitis
250 mg PO q6hr or 500 mg
PO q12hr; dosage range, 1-4
g/day in divided doses

Otitis Media
250 mg PO q6hr; dosage
range, 1-4 g/day in divided
doses

Skin/Skin Structure
Infections
250 mg PO q6hr or 500 mg
PO q12hr; dosage range, 1-4
g/day in divided doses

Respiratory Tract Infections

250 mg PO q6hr; dosage
range, 1-4 g/day in divided
doses

Streptococcal Pharyngitis
250 mg PO q6hr or 500 mg
PO q12hr; dosage range, 1-4
g/day in divided doses

Cellulitis and Mastitis

500 mg PO q6hr; dosage
range, 1-4 g/day in divided
doses

(Pharmacology / L2 form/ 2018)

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