Drug Name Generic Name: Cefuroxime Axetil Brand Name: Zegen

Classification & Indication Classification: Second generation cephalosporin antibiotic Indication: Serious lower respiratory tract infection, UTI, skin infections, bone or joint infection, septicimia, meningitis, and gonorrhea

Dose, Route, & Frequency 500mg tab, BID

Mechanism of Action Inhibits cell wall synthesis, promoting osmotic instability; usually bactericidal. Hinders or kills susceptible bacteria, including many grampositive organisms and enteric gramnegative bacilli

Contraindication Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to drug or its components.

Side-Effects CNS: headache, dizziness, malaise, paresthesia GI: abdominal cramps, anal pruritus, anorexia, diarrhea, dyspepsia, glossitis, nausea GU: candidiasis, pruritus Hematologic: thrombocytopeni a Respiratory: dyspnes Skin: erythematous rash Other: hypersensitivity reactions, pain, induration

Nursing Resposibilities Assess patients infection before therapy and regularly thereafter Before giving first dose, obtain specimen for culture and sensitivity tests. Before giving first dose, ask patient about previous reactions to cephalosporins or penicillin Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions If adverse GI reactions occur, monitor patients hydration