Cefazolin vs Antistaphylococcal Penicillins

In which of the following patients would cefazolin be ADVANTAGEOUS over nafcillin for treatment of a MSSA infection?

Patient 1 with CNS infection & recent C. difficile
Patient 2 with osteomyelitis & hyperkalemia & LFTs

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Best Answer

Patient 2 🧔🏼

Explanation: Cefazolin is favorable in patients who cannot tolerate side effects of antistaphylococcal penicillins (like electrolyte and LFT disturbances!) OR penicillin allergies.

Nafcillin is favorable in severe MSSA CNS infections 🧠 and patients at ⬆️ risk of C. difficile because it is more narrow spectrum compared to cefazolin 🤏

Cefazolin and nafcillin are BOTH appropriate for treatment of MSSA infections. Consider all patient factors to pick the most optimal choice ✅