Dosage, Route,

Name of Drug Frequency and Mechanism of Action Indication Adverse Reactions Special Precautions Nursing Responsibilities
Timing
Generic: Dosage: Binds to 50S subunit of To serve as a pseudomembranous Assess bowel Assess any patient with
clindamycin 300mg/cap 1 bacterial ribosomes; prophylaxis for as colitis, Stevens-Johnson pattern daily; if compromised renal system;
cap suppresses protein Infections caused syndrome, exfoliative severe diarrhea product is excreted slowly in
Brand: synthesis by staphylococci, dermatitis occurs, product poor renal system function;
Route: streptococci, should be toxicity may occur rapidly
PO Rickettsia, discontinued; may Assess patient for signs and
Fusobacterium, indicate symptoms of infection including
Frequency: Actinomyces, pseudomembranous characteristics of wounds,
Q6H Peptococcus, colitis sputum, urine, stool, WBC
Bacteroides, Assess for serious .10,000/mm3, fever; obtain
Timing: Pneumocystis skin infections: baseline information before,
10 4 10 4 jirovec Stevens-Johnson during treatment; complete
Classification Contraindications Side Effects syndrome, exfoliative C&S testing before beginning
Functional: Hypersensitivity to GI: Nausea, vomiting, dermatitis product therapy; this will identify
Antiinfective this product or abdominal pain, diar- Teach patient to if correct treatment has been
miscellaneous lincomycin, rhea, anorexia, weight report diarrhea with initiated, give product as soon
Chemical: tartrazine dye, loss, increased AST, pus, mucus as culture is taken
Lincomycin ulcerative ALT, bilirubin, alkaline Assess for allergic reactions:
derivative colitis/enteritis phosphatase, jaundice rash, urticaria, pruritus, chills,
GU: Vaginitis, urinary fever, joint pain; may occur a
frequency few days after therapy begins;
INTEG: Rash, urticaria, epinephrine and resuscitation
pruritus, erythema, equipment should be available
pain, abscess at in case of an anaphylactic
injection site reaction
Identify urine output; if
decreasing, notify prescriber
(may indicate nephrotoxicity);
also look for increased BUN and
creatinine levels
Monitor blood studies: AST,
ALT, CBC, Hct, bilirubin, LDH,
alkaline phosphatase, Coombs
test monthly if patient is on long-
term therapy
Monitor electrolytes:
potassium, sodium, chloride
monthly if patient is on long-
term therapy
Monitor for bleeding:
ecchymosis, bleeding gums,
hematuria, stool guaiac daily if
on long-term therapy, may
occur several weeks after
therapy is terminated
Assess for overgrowth of
infection: perineal itching, fever,
malaise, redness, pain, swelling,
drainage, rash, diarrhea,
change in cough, sputum
Tell patient to take oral
product with full glass of water;
may take with food if GI
symptoms occur; antiperistaltic
products may worsen diarrhea
Teach patient aspects of
product therapy: need to
complete entire course of
medication to ensure organism
death (10-14 days); culture may
 be taken after medication
course has been completed
Advise patient to report sore
throat, fever, fatigue; may
indicate superinfection
Advise patient that product
must be taken at equal intervals
around clock to maintain blood
levels
Reference: Mosbys Drug Guide for Nursing Students, 11th edition; Skidmore