Cutaneous necrosis associated with intravenous nafcillin therapy
S. J. Tilden, J. C. Craft, R. Cano and R. S. Daum
Four children had cutaneous necrosis associated with the administration of
intravenous (IV) nafcillin sodium therapy. One patient required skin
grafting. Hospitalization was prolonged with this patient and with one
other in an effort to ensure healing. Adult rats, inoculated subcutaneously
with nafcillin that was appropriately diluted according to manufacturer's
recommendations, exhibited similar lesions. Oxacillin sodium, methicillin
sodium, and cephalothin sodium, similarly diluted, did not necrose skin.
Nafcillin should be added to the list of agents that produce similar toxic
conditions. Frequent observation of the IV infusion site to detect
extravasation may obviate this hazard.
