What Are the Effects of Nafcillin?

Many diseases are related to Staphylococcus infection or bacterial infection, and penicillin is often used for treatment. However, some patients may develop drug resistance, in which case nafcillin may be needed. Common diseases include empyema, liver abscess, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, etc. It is important to understand the role of this drug. Before administration, bacterial culture should be performed to confirm drug resistance.

1. Role of Nafcillin

Nafcillin is an acid-resistant and enzyme-resistant semisynthetic penicillin. It is stable to acid and can be taken orally or administered extracolonically. It is also stable to penicillinase. This drug is effective against Staphylococcus that produces penicillinase or is resistant to penicillin G due to other reasons. It also has a specific effect on hemolytic streptococci and viridans streptococci. It has significant bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on Gram-positive bacteria such as hemolytic streptococci, viridans streptococci, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. This drug is suitable for the treatment of Staphylococcus infections resistant to penicillin and other bacterial infections sensitive to penicillin, such as sepsis, bacteremia, endocarditis, empyema, liver abscess, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, meningitis, peritonitis, cellulitis, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, otitis media, erysipelas, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, tetanus, gas gangrene, anthrax, diphtheria, gonorrhea, gonococcal arthritis, and ophthalmia.

2. Dosage and Administration of Nafcillin

Oral administration: 0.25-1g per time, 4-6 times a day, taken on an empty stomach. Intramuscular injection or intravenous injection: 4-6 doses per day, divided into 4 administrations, dissolved in injection water or isotonic saline. Topical application: 0.2%-1% aqueous solution can be used for wound dressing and ear instillation. Use in Pregnant and Lactating Women: There is insufficient research on the effects of this drug on pregnant women, so it should only be used when necessary. A small amount of this drug is secreted in breast milk, so breastfeeding should be suspended during use. Use in Children: Newborns, especially preterm infants, should use this drug with caution. Use in Elderly Patients: The safety of this drug in elderly patients has not been reported.

3. Precautions for Nafcillin

Possible adverse reactions include allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, elevated transaminase levels, renal function impairment, etc. Pain may occur during intramuscular injection, and intravenous injection may cause phlebitis. Allergy tests should be performed before use. 1. Similar to penicillin, there may also be side effects such as loss of appetite, unpleasant taste in the mouth, nausea, and abdominal distension. 2. Sometimes, alanine aminotransferase may temporarily increase. 3. Before use, allergy tests should be performed using this drug or penicillin.