NORFLOXACIN

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(nor-flox’a-sin)
Chibroxin, Noroxin
Classifications: antiinfective; quinolone antibiotic
Prototype: Ciprofloxacin
Pregnancy Category: C

NURSING IMPLICATIONS

Assessment & Drug Effects

• Collect urine specimens for testing before initiating antibiotic.
• Lab tests: Periodic WBC with differential, liver enzymes, and alkaline phosphatase, especially with prolonged use.
• Report to the physician if patient is adequately hydrated, yet I&O ratio and pattern changes are noted, or if condition does not improve within a few days. Dosage may need to be modified.

Patient & Family Education

• Take drug at same times each day.
• Take drug exactly as prescribed. Erratic dosing can encourage emergence of resistant bacteria; underdosing or premature discontinuation of treatment can cause return of UTI symptoms.
• Keep fluid intake high (at least 2500–3000 mL/d if tolerated) to provide adequate urine output and hydration, important in the prevention of crystalluria (rare side effect).
• Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.

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• AMPICILLIN SODIUM AND SULBACTAM SODIUM (am-pi-sill’in/sul-bak’tam) Unasyn Classifications: antiinfective; antibiotic; aminopenicillin Prototype: Ampicillin Pregnancy Category: B NURSING IMPLICATIONS Assessment & Drug Effects Determine previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, and other allergens prior to therapy. Lab tests: Baseline C&S tests prior to initiation of therapy; start drug pending results. Report promptly unexplained
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• PIPERACILLIN SODIUM (pi-per’a-sill-in) Pipracil Classifications: antiinfective; beta-lactam antibiotic; antipseudomonal penicillin Prototype: Mezlocillin Pregnancy Category: B NURSING IMPLICATIONS Assessment & Drug Effects Obtain history of hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other drugs prior to administration. Lab tests: C&S prior to first dose of the drug; start drug pending results. Periodic CBC
• AZITHROMYCIN (a-zi-thro-mye’sin) Zithromax Classifications: antiinfective; macrolide antibiotic Prototype: Erythromycin Pregnancy Category: B NURSING IMPLICATIONS Assessment & Drug Effects Monitor for and report loose stools or diarrhea, since pseudomembranous colitis (see Appendix F) must be ruled out. Monitor PT and INR closely with concurrent warfarin use. Patient & Family Education Direct sunlight