Cefazolin

In case a dose of cefazolin injection is needed that does not equal 1 gram or 2 grams, this product is not recommended for use and as an alternative formulation of cefazolin should be considered. Cefazolin injection is for intravenous use only over approximately 30 minutes.

Standard Dosing Schedule in Adults with CLcr Higher Than or Equal To 55 mL per min:

• For moderate to severe infections: cefazolin 500 mg to 1 gram, given every 6 to 8 hours.
• For mild infections caused by susceptible gram-positive cocci: cefazolin 250 mg to 500 mg, given every 8 hours.
• Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 1 gram, given every 12 hours.
• Pneumococcal pneumonia: cefazolin 500 mg, given every 12 hours.
  Severe, life-threatening infections (e.g., endocarditis, septicemia): cefazolin 1 gram to 1.5 grams, given every 6 hours.
• Perioperative prophylaxis: cefazolin 1 gram to 2 grams (given ½ to 1 hour prior to start of surgery), cefazolin 500 mg to 1 gram (given during surgery for lengthy procedures), cefazolin 500 mg to 1 gram (given every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours postoperatively).

Standard Dosing Schedule in Pediatrics with CLcr Higher than or Equal to 70 mL per min:

• For moderate to severe infections: cefazolin 25 to 50 mg per kg, given into 3 or 4 equal divided doses.
• For severe infections: dosage of cefazolin may increase to 100 mg per kg, given into 3 or 4 equal divided doses.

The most commonly reported side effects due to cefazolin iv injection include: gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and allergic reactions (skin rash, anaphylaxis, urticaria).

• Before cefazolin injection therapy is instituted, careful inquiry need to be made to determine whether the patient has had previous immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefazolin, penicillins, cephalosporins, or carbapenems.
• Exercise caution if cefazolin sodium injection is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients because cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial medicines has been clearly documented and may emerge in up to 10 percent of patients with a known history of penicillin allergy.
• Seizures may appear with the administration of cefazolin 1 gm injection, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage is not decreased appropriately.
• Prescribing cefazolin therapy in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the probability of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
• As with other existing antimicrobials, prolonged use of cefazolin sodium may result in excess growth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Repeated assessment of the patient’s condition is required. Should superinfection emerge during therapy, apt measures needs be taken.
• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been noted with administration of around all antibacterial agents, including cefazolin sodium, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
• Precise medical history is needed since CDAD has been occurred over 2 months after the use of antibacterial agents.
• As with other existing dextrose-containing solutions, cefazolin therapy should be used with caution in patients with known subclinical diabetes mellitus or carbohydrate intolerance for any reason.

Store the cefazolin antibiotic medicine in a freezer capable of maintaining a temperature of -20°C (-4°F) or below. Handle the frozen product containers with precise care. Product containers may be a little bit more fragile in the frozen state.