PHARM | 1st Gen Cephalosporins (Cephalexin)

This is everything 1st Gen Ceph Drugs. For my RN Program this class includes Cephalexin. First-Generation CephalosporinsExamples: Cefadroxil, Cefazolin, Cephalexin Class: Anti-infective | Pharmacologic: Cephalosporin (1st Gen) MOA: Binds to bacterial cell-wall membrane → cell death (bactericidal).Top Indications1️⃣ Skin & soft-tissue infections. 2️⃣ UTIs. 💉 Cefazolin: peri-operative surgical prophylaxis.Therapeutic EffectResolution of infection — ↓ redness, swelling, discharge, pain, fever.Contraindications / CautionsAllergy: Cephalosporin or serious PCN reaction → risk of anaphylaxis.Renal impairment: Drug is renally cleared → dose-adjust to avoid toxicity.GI disease / Colitis: ↑ risk for C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD).Red-Flag Adverse Effects🚨 Anaphylaxis / Severe Allergy: Stop drug → maintain airway → notify provider → prepare for epi/O₂/resus. 🚨 C. diff Diarrhea: Watery, foul stool (can occur weeks later) → discontinue, report immediately. ⚠️ Stevens-Johnson / TEN: Blistering rash ± fever → stop drug → seek emergency care. Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea → give with food/milk. IV: Phlebitis → monitor site; rotate every 48–72 h.Nursing Priorities1️⃣ Always check allergy history (ceph ↔ PCN cross-sensitivity). 2️⃣ Monitor renal function (BUN/Cr). 3️⃣ Watch bowel pattern for CDAD. 4️⃣ Observe for rash or respiratory distress during first doses. 5️⃣ Teach: report rash, diarrhea, or SOB immediately.💊 Quick Recall: “1st Gen = 1st Line for Skin & Surgery.” Kills by breaking the wall; watch for Allergy, Abdomen, and Airway.