Drug Study 04-21-09

DRUG NAME Generic: Cefalexin Brand: Cefacure, Keflex, Oracef. CLASSIFICATION: Antibiotic.

DOSAGE 500mg Tab of Cefalexin tid

ACTION

INDICATION

Cefalexin interferes > Skin and soft with bacterial cell- tissue infections. wall synthesis, causing cell to rupture and die. Active against many gram-positive bacteria; shows limited activity against gramnegative bacteria.

EFFECT >Fever, headache, lethargy, paresthesia, syncope, seizures. >Edema, hypotension, vasodilation, palpitations, chest pain. >Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous colitis

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY >Assess the patient before and after giving the drug. >Monitor patient’s vital signs. >Watch for drug’s side effects.

DRUG NAME Generic: Mefenamic acid Brand: Ponstel, Ponstan, Ponstal, Parkemed, Mephadolor, Meftal. CLASSIFICATION: Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug

DOSAGE 500 mg of mefenamic acid three times daily with food.

ACTION

INDICATION

EFFECT

Mefenamic acid has analgesic, antiinflammatory and anti-pyretic properties. It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins. Mefenamic acid shows central and peripheral action and it owes these properties to its capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase.

>Used for the relief of mild to moderate pain in acute and chronic conditions including: pain of traumatic, arthritic or muscular origin; dysmenorrhoea; headache and dental pain. >Reduces blood loss in menorrhagia where menorrhagia is due to ovulatory dysfunctional bleeding. Uterine and other pathology should first be excluded before prescribing

>Dyspepsia, upper gastro-intestinal discomfort, gastrointestinal bleeding. > Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, visual disturbances.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY >Watch for side effects and call the physician if drug toxicity is observed. >Assess the patient before and after giving the drug. >Assess the drug’s effectiveness to the patient.