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Indications & Uses
Cefazol is used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible organisms. These include respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, biliary tract infections, bone and joint infections, and genital infections. It is also used for septicemia and endocarditis, and as perioperative prophylaxis.
Pharmacology
Cefazolin is a 1st generation broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic, and it is given parenterally (by injection). It blocks the transpeptidase enzyme, and this interferes with the way bacteria build their cell wall. The wall becomes weak, so the bacterial cell swells and then ruptures.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adults with moderate to severe infection take Cefazolin Sodium 500 mg to 1 gm every 6 to 8 hours. For mild infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive cocci, the dose is 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours. Acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections need 1 gm every 12 hours, and pneumococcal pneumonia needs 500 mg every 12 hours. In severe life-threatening infections (e.g. Endocarditis, Septicemia), the dose is 1 gm to 1.5 gm every 6 hours, and in rare instances doses up to 12 gm per day can be used. For perioperative prophylaxis, the aim is to prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery. The recommended dose is 1 gm IM or IV, given half hour to 1 hour before the surgery starts. If the operation is lengthy (e.g. 2 hours or more), give 500 mg to 1 gm IM or IV during the surgery. After the operation, give 500 mg to 1 gm IM or IV every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours. Where an infection could be particularly devastating (e.g. open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic doses may be continued for 3 to 5 days after the surgery is completed.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Cefazolin Sodium include pain, swelling, skin rash or a hard lump at the injection site, diarrhea, stomach pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Some people get skin rash or itching, hives, or white patches or sores inside the mouth or on the lips. Vaginal itching or discharge, heartburn, gas and rectal itching can also happen. Others may notice confusion, weakness, hypotension, drowsiness or headache, and allergic reactions are possible too.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Cefazol (cefazolin sodium) should be given with care to people who have had a gastrointestinal disease, colitis in particular, and this is true of all cephalosporins. Like other β-lactam antibiotics, it can also cause seizures if the dose is too high for a patient whose kidneys are not working properly.
Contraindications
Don't give Cefazolin to anyone who is known to be allergic to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Cefazolin is Pregnancy Category B. It passes into the milk of nursing mothers, but only in very low concentrations. Even so, caution should be exercised when Cefazolin is given to a nursing woman.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Patients with impaired renal function
If creatinine clearance is 35 to 54 ml/min, give 1 unit dose (based on unit doses of 500 mg and 1 gm) every 8 hours. If it is 11 to 34 ml/min, give ½ unit dose (based on unit doses of 500 mg and 1 gm) every 12 hours. If it is 10 ml/min, give ½ unit dose (based on unit doses of 500 mg and 1 gm) every 18 to 24 hours.
Patients with hepatic insufficiency
Cefazolin Sodium needs no dosage adjustment in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Pediatric dose
For children, a total daily dosage of 25 to 50 mg per kg of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses, works well for most mild to moderate infections. The total daily dosage may be increased to 100 mg per kg of body weight for severe infections. Safety in premature infants and in neonates has not been established.
Storage
Once Cefazol is reconstituted, it stays stable for 24 hours at room temperature. If you keep it in the refrigerator at 5°C, it lasts for 10 days. The reconstituted solution can range in colour from pale yellow to yellow, and this doesn't change its potency.
Common questions about Cefazol 1 gm
What is Cefazol 1 gm IM/IV Injection?
Cefazol 1 gm IM/IV Injection is a medicine that contains Cefazolin Sodium. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the First generation cephalosporins group of medicines.
What is Cefazol used for?
Cefazol is used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible organisms. These include respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, biliary tract infections, bone and joint infections, and genital infections.
What are the side effects of Cefazol?
Common side effects of Cefazolin Sodium include pain, swelling, skin rash or a hard lump at the injection site, diarrhea, stomach pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Some people get skin rash or itching, hives, or white patches or sores inside the mouth or on the lips.
Can I take Cefazol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Cefazolin is Pregnancy Category B. It passes into the milk of nursing mothers, but only in very low concentrations. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Cefazol?
Once Cefazol is reconstituted, it stays stable for 24 hours at room temperature. If you keep it in the refrigerator at 5°C, it lasts for 10 days.
Do I need a prescription for Cefazol?
Cefazol is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.