CEFALEXIN (sef-a-lex-in)

CEFAZOLIN (ce-faz-o-lin)

CEFTAZIDIME (cef-ta-zi-din)

CEFTRIAXONE (cef-tri-ax-own)

CEFUROXIME (cef-uro-xim)

Not included in this monograph — see AMH for information:

• Cefepime
• Cefotaxime
• Cefoxitin
• Ceftaroline
• Ceftolozane

• Lots of infections — gonorrhoea, kidney infections, mastitis, melioidosis, meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infection (UTIs)
• Sepsis (ceftriaxone)
• Chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) in children — if acute episode (cefuroxime)

Doses: Cefalexin, Cefazolin, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime

• Antibiotic that stops bacteria's cell wall from growing
• Different germs need different antibiotics. If not sure which one to use — check with doctor

• Serum sickness-like reaction — rash,  swollen glands, sore joints
• Anaphylaxis rare — but consider if trouble breathing

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Rash

Anaphylaxis — severe allergic reaction

 

• Person who is allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins

Kidney trouble

• Take all the medicine — makes sure all the germs are gone and the infection doesn't come back
• If mixture not kept in fridge — use-by/expiry date will be sooner and it won't work as well

Return to clinic straight away 

if you get rash, swollen glands, sore joints (serum sickness-like reaction)

Store in fridge
(not freezer)

— if you don’t the use-by/expiry date will be sooner and it won't work as well

Finish medicine
— even if you feel better

Warning stickers: Cefaclor A, B Medicine mixture (cefalexin) 6, 7a

• Always have anaphylaxis kit with adrenaline (epinephrine) ready when giving ceftriaxone or cefazolin injections
• Follow-up when antibiotic finished to make sure infection is gone. If not — medical consult

Making mixture

Make sure right amount of clean water added to dry powder