Nafcillin

Information about Nafcillin

Nafcillin is a parenteral, second generation penicillinase-resistant penicillin antibiotic used largely to treat moderate to severe staphylococcal infections.

Liver safety of Nafcillin

Nafcillin has been linked to rare occurrences of clinically apparent, idiosyncratic liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Nafcillin

Nafcillin (naf sil' in) is a second generation penicillin that is highly resistant to inactivation by penicillinases and is used to treat moderate-to-severe bacterial infections caused by penicillinase-producing bacteria.

FDA approval information for Nafcillin

Nafcillin was approved for use in the United States in 1970 and is still widely used to treat severe staphylococcal infections. To reduce development of drug-resistant bacteria, nafcillin is recommended to treat or prevent only infections that are proven or suspected to be caused by penicillinase-producing susceptible bacteria.

Dosage and administration for Nafcillin

Nafcillin is available in multiple generic forms as solutions or powders for intravenous or intramuscular use in 1 or 2 grams per vial. Oral formulations have been developed and are available in some countries. The recommended dose for parenteral use is 1 to 2 grams every 4 to 6 hours for 5 to 30 days depending upon the type and severity of infection. The oral dose is 500 mg to 1 gram four times daily.

Side effects of Nafcillin

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, headache, fatigue, urticaria, skin rash and allergic reactions.

Penicillin antibiotics

• penicillins first generation (natural penicillins)
  • benzathine penicillin, procaine penicillin, penicillin g, penicillin v, penicillin vk

• penicillins second generation (penicillinase-resistant penicillins)
  • cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin

• penicillins third generation (aminopenicillins)
  • amoxicillin, ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam, bacampicillin, pivampicillin
• see also amoxicillin-clavulanate

• penicillins fourth generation (extended-spectrum penicillins)
  • carbenicillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, ticarcillin, ticarcillin-clavulanate

• Dailymed label info on Nafcillin
• FDA Nafcillin

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  Nafcillin