NAFCILLIN Meaning and
Definition
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Nafcillin is a dictionary term commonly found in medical literature and pharmaceutical resources. It refers to a semi-synthetic penicillin-like antibiotic that belongs to the class of drugs known as penicillinase-resistant penicillins. Nafcillin is primarily used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to penicillinase.
This antibiotic works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall during the growth and replication process, thereby preventing the bacteria from multiplying and causing further infection. Nafcillin specifically targets and disrupts the synthesis of peptidoglycan, an essential component of the cell wall, leading to the eventual death of the bacterial cells.
Nafcillin is typically administered through injection into the veins (intravenous) or into a muscle (intramuscular) due to its poor oral bioavailability. Its dosage and duration of treatment depend on various factors such as the severity of the infection, patient age, and renal function.
While nafcillin is primarily effective against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections, it is not active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Therefore, it is crucial to perform susceptibility testing before prescribing nafcillin to ensure its effectiveness against the specific strain causing the infection.
Like any medication, nafcillin may have potential side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea or nausea, skin rashes, or allergic reactions. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional when taking nafcillin, as they will provide the appropriate guidance, dosage, and duration of treatment specific to an individual's condition.
Common Misspellings for NAFCILLIN
- bafcillin
- mafcillin
- jafcillin
- hafcillin
- nzfcillin
- nsfcillin
- nwfcillin
- nqfcillin
- nadcillin
- naccillin
- navcillin
- nagcillin
- natcillin
- narcillin
- nafxillin
- nafvillin
- naffillin
- nafdillin
- nafcullin
Etymology of NAFCILLIN
The word nafcillin is derived from its chemical structure, specifically its side chain, which is formed by the condensation of isoxazol-3-carboxylic acid and an amino side chain. The na in nafcillin stands for naphthalene, which refers to the presence of a naphthalene ring in the molecule. Finally, cillin indicates that nafcillin belongs to the penicillin family of antibiotics, which have a common core structure known as 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Therefore, when combined, na and cillin create the name nafcillin.
Similar spelling word for NAFCILLIN
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