Generic name: cefazolin (injection) [ sef-A-zoe-lin ]
Brand names: Ancef, Kefzol
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (1 g; 10 g; 2 g; 3 g; 500 mg), injectable solution (1 g/10 mL; 2 g/100 mL-5%; 2 g/20 mL), ... show all 4 dosage forms intravenous powder for injection (2 g; 3 g), intravenous solution (1 g/10 mL; 1 g/100 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1 g/50 mL-iso-osmotic dextrose; 2 g/100 mL-D5%; 2 g/100 mL-iso-osmotic dextrose; 2 g/100 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 2 g/20 mL; 2 g/50 mL-iso-osmotic dextrose; 3 g/100 mL-NaCl 0.9%)
Drug class: First generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 5, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cefazolin?

Cefazolin is an antibiotic that is used in adults and children at least 1 month old to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, bone and joints, urinary tract, skin, genitals, and gallbladder, including those that are severe or life-threatening, such as heart or blood bacterial infections.

Cefazolin is sometimes given before, during, and after surgery to prevent infections in adults and children at least 10 years old.

Cefazolin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cefazolin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Cefazolin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• seizures;

• fever, tired feeling, weakness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleed, bleeding gums), pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate;

• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of cefazolin may include:

• pain, bruising, induration, redness, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• headache; or

• an allergic reaction such as skin rash, hives.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, azithromycin, metronidazole, clindamycin

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

Cefazolin can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. You should not use cefazolin if you are allergic to cefazolin or similar medicines such as:

• cefuroxime, cefdinir, cefepime, ceftriaxone, cephalexin, and others;

• amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), ampicillin, penicillin, and others; or

• meropenem, imipenem and cilastatin, ertapenem, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• diabetes;

• seizures;

• diarrhea caused by an infection or antibiotics;

• an allergy to corn products;

• an allergy to dextrose-containing products;

• bleeding problems;

• an intestinal disorder such as colitis;

• if you are malnourished;

• if you use a blood thinner; or

• liver or kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is cefazolin given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cefazolin is injected into a vein or into a muscle. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself. Your doctor will determine the right treatment schedule for you.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.

Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Depending on the severity of the infection, cefazolin is usually given for as long as needed after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

You may be given other medications to help treat a serious allergic reaction. Your doctor will monitor you for these side effects.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor or laboratory staff who treats you that you are using cefazolin.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood and kidney function may need to be tested often.

Follow all storage instructions provided with cefazolin. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving cefazolin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect cefazolin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially probenecid.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect cefazolin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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