Cefprozil

INTRODUCTION

Indications

Treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible organisms: Respiratory tract infections, Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, Otitis media.

Action

Binds to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing cell death. Therapeutic Effects: Bactericidal action against susceptible bacteria. Spectrum: Similar to that of first-generation cephalosporins but has increased activity against several other gram-negative pathogens, including Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase–producing strains), Proteus, Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase–producing strains). Not active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci or enterococci.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: SEIZURES (VERY HIGH DOSES), dizziness. GI: PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS COLITIS, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. Derm: rashes, urticaria. GU: vaginitis. Hemat: eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia. Misc: ALLERGIC REACTIONS, INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS, superinfection.

PHYSICAL THERAPY IMPLICATIONS

Examination and Evaluation

• Watch for seizures; notify physician immediately if patient develops or increases seizure activity.

• Monitor signs of pseudomembranous colitis, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, pus or mucus in stools, and other severe or prolonged GI problems (nausea, vomiting, heartburn). Notify physician or nursing staff immediately of these signs.

• Monitor signs of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, including pulmonary symptoms (tightness in the throat and chest, wheezing, cough dyspnea) or skin reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria). Notify physician or nursing staff immediately if these reactions occur.

• Monitor signs of blood dyscrasias, including eosinophilia (fatigue, weakness, myalgia), hemolytic anemia (malaise, dizziness, jaundice, abdominal pain), and leukopenia (fever, sore throat, mucosal lesions, signs of infection). Report these signs to the physician.

• Assess dizziness that might affect gait, balance, and other functional activities (See Appendix C). Report balance problems and functional limitations to the physician and nursing staff, and caution the patient and family/caregivers to guard against falls and trauma.

Interventions

• Always wash hands thoroughly and disinfect equipment (whirlpools, electrotherapeutic devices, treatment tables, and so forth) to help prevent the spread of infection. Employ universal precautions or isolation procedures as indicated for specific patients.

Patient/Client-Related Instruction

• Instruct patient to notify physician immediately of signs of superinfection, including black, furry overgrowth on tongue, vaginal itching or discharge, and loose or foul-smelling stools.

• Instruct patient and family/caregivers to report other troublesome side effects such as severe or prolonged skin problems (rash, hives), vaginal inflammation, or GI problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain).

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed. Enters breast milk in low concentrations.

Metabolism and Excretion: Excreted primarily unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-life: 90 min (increased in renal impairment).