A narrow-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic of the penicillin class.
A beta-lactamase-resistant penicillin.
It is used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, in particular, species of staphylococci that are resistant to other penicillins.
Pregnancy category US:
Routes of administration IM, IV
Protein binding 90%
Metabolism less than 30% hepatic.
Elimination half-life 0.5 hours
Excretion-Biliary and renal
Considered therapeutically equivalent to oxacillin
Indicated in the treatment of staphylococcal infections, except those caused by MRSA.
Guidelines recommend either nafcillin or oxacillin as the first-line treatment of choice for staphylococcal endocarditis in patients without artificial heart valves.
Life-threatening allergic reactions can occur.
Milder side-effects include: Hypokalemia
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Yeast infections
Agranulocytosis, neutropenia
It induces cytochrome P-450 enzymes specifically CYP2C9, and warfarin and nifedipine, are metabolized by CYP2C9.
Nafcillin contains salts and should be avoided in patients with congestive heart failure or kidney disease.