Cephalothin Dosage
Applies to the following strengths: 1 g; 2 g; 1 g/50 mL; 2 g/50 mL
Usual Adult Dose for:
Usual Pediatric Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
Uncomplicated infections: 500 mg to 1 g IV or IM every 4 to 6 hours.
Severe infections: 1 g IV or IM every 6 hours or 500 mg every 4 hours.
Life-threatening infections: 2 g IV or IM every 4 hours.
Usual Adult Dose for Surgical Prophylaxis
Preoperative: 1 to 2 g IV 30 to 60 minutes prior to incision.
Intraoperative: 1 to 2 g IV during surgery.
Postoperative: 1 to 2 g IV every 6 hours for up to 24 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Surgical Prophylaxis
Preoperative: 20 to 30 mg/kg IV 30 to 60 minutes prior to incision.
Intraoperative: 20 to 30 mg/kg IV during surgery.
Postoperative: 20 to 30 mg/kg IV every 6 hours for up to 24 hours.
Renal Dose Adjustments
CrCl < 2 mL/min: Loading dose of 1 to 2 g, then maximum dose 0.5 g IV every 8 hours.
CrCl 2 to 10 mL/min: Loading dose of 1 to 2 g, then maximum dose 0.5 g IV every 6 hours.
CrCl 10 to 25 mL/min: Loading dose of 1 to 2 g, then maximum dose 1 g IV every 6 hours.
CrCl 25 to 50 mL/min: Loading dose of 1 to 2 g, then maximum dose 1.5 g IV every 6 hours.
CrCl 50 to 80 mL/min: Maximum dose 2 g IV every 6 hours.
Dialysis
Cephalothin has been added to peritoneal dialysis fluid up to 6 mg/100 mL and instilled throughout an entire dialysis.
More about cephalothin
- Side Effects
- During Pregnancy
- Drug Interactions
- 1 Review
- Drug class: first generation cephalosporins
Patient resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.