Nafcillin sodium
Nafcillin sodium (Unipen)
Nafcillin sodium
(naf- SILL-in)
Pregnancy Category: B Nallpen Unipen (Rx)

Classification: Antibiotic, penicillin

See Also: See also Anti-Infectives and Penicillins .

Action/Kinetics: Penicillinase-resistant and acid stable. Parenteral therapy is recommended initially for severe infections. Peak plasma levels: PO, 7 mcg/mL after 30-60 min; IM, 14-20 mcg/mL after 30-60 min. t 1/2: 60 min. Significantly bound to plasma proteins.

Uses: Infections by penicillinase-producing staphylococci. As initial therapy if staphylococcal infection is suspected (i.e., until results of culture have been obtained).

Contraindications: Use for treatment of penicillin G-susceptible staphylococcus.

Additional Side Effects: Sterile abscesses and thrombophlebitis occur frequently, especially in the elderly.

Additional Drug Interactions: When used with cyclosporine, subtherapeutic levels of cyclosporine are possible.

How Supplied: Injection: 1 g/50 mL, 2 g/50 mL; Powder for injection: 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g, 10 g

Dosage
?IV
Adults: 0.5-1 g q 4 hr.
?IM
Adults: 0.5 g q 4-6 hr. Children and infants, less than 40 kg: 25 mg/kg b.i.d. Neonates: 10 mg/kg b.i.d. Or, for neonates weighing more than 2,000 g and less than 7 days of age, 100 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses; for neonates older than 7 days, 100 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses; if the weight is less than 2,000 g, 20 mg/kg q 8 hr.
?Capsules Mild to moderate infections.
Adults: 250-500 mg q 4-6 hr.
Severe infections.
Adults: Up to 1 g q 4-6 hr.
Pneumonia/scarlet fever.
Children: 25 mg/kg/day in four divided doses.
Staphylococcal infections.
Children: 50 mg/kg/day in four divided doses. Neonates: 10 mg/kg t.i.d.-q.i.d.
Streptococcal pharyngitis.
Children: 250 mg t.i.d. for 10 days.

NOTE: IV administration is not recommended for neonates or infants.