Drug Groups

approved

Description

A semi-synthetic antibiotic related to penicillin. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci which have demonstrated susceptibility to the drugs.

Pharmacology

Nafcillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic substance derived from 6-amino-penicillanic acid. The drugs in this class are highly resistant to inactivation by staphylococcal penicillinase and are active against penicillinase-producing and non penicillinase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The penicillinase- resistant penicillins are active in vitro against a variety of other bacteria.

Toxicity

Serious toxicity is unlikely following large doses of nafcillin. Acute ingestion of large doses of nafcillin may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Acute oliguric renal failure and hematuria may occur following large doses.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic metabolism accounts for less than 30% of the biotransformation of most penicillins.

Half Life

The serum half-life of nafcillin administered by the intravenous route ranged from 33 to 61 minutes as measured in three separate studies.

Protein Binding

89.9 ±1.5%

Elimination

Nafcillin is primarily eliminated by nonrenal routes, namely hepatic inactivation and excretion in the bile.

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