The Sound of Evolution
Nafcillin
Mechanism of action:
Nafcillin is a β-lactam antibiotic and belongs to the antistaphylococcal penicillin class. Nafcillin binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting peptidoglycan cross-linking and causing the bacterial cell wall to lose its structural integrity. Ultimately, the bacteria rupture and die because they can no longer withstand osmotic pressure.
Reference(s):
1. Blumenthal KG et al. (2015). Improving Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia and Reported Penicillin Allergy. Clin Infect Dis.
2. Viehman JA et al. (2016). Adverse Events Lead to Drug Discontinuation More Commonly among Patients Who Receive Nafcillin than among Those Who Receive Oxacillin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother.
3. Youngster I et al. (2014). Comparative evaluation of the tolerability of cefazolin and nafcillin for treatment of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infections in the outpatient setting. Clin Infect Dis.