Cefazolin

CEFAZOLIN

Manufacturer: WG Critical Care, LLC

Score: 141.0

Quick Summary

Cefazolin is a cephalosporin antibacterial used to treat various infections, including respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and skin structure, biliary tract, bone and joint, genital, septicemia, and endocarditis. It is effective against susceptible bacteria and is usually well tolerated. However, it is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to cefazolin or other cephalosporin class antibacterial drugs, penicillins, or other beta-lactams. The recommended dosages vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's renal function. Special considerations are needed for use in pregnancy, nursing mothers, pediatric patients, and geriatric patients.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infections
Skin and skin structure infections
Biliary tract infections
Bone and joint infections
Genital infections
Septicemia
Endocarditis
Perioperative prophylaxis

Important Safety Information

Warning

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur with cefazolin use.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cefazolin or other cephalosporin class antibacterial drugs, penicillins, or other beta-lactams

Adverse Reactions

Gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, urticaria, skin rash)
Hematologic reactions (neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
Hepatic reactions (transient rise in SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase levels)
Renal reactions (increased BUN and creatinine levels, renal failure)

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

Patients with reduced renal function require dose adjustments based on creatinine clearance rates.

Moderate to severe infections

Adult Dose

500 mg to 1 gram every 6 to 8 hours

Pediatric Dose

25 to 50 mg per kg (approximately 10 to 20 mg per pound) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses

Mild infections caused by susceptible gram-positive cocci

Adult Dose

250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours

Pediatric Dose

25 to 50 mg per kg (approximately 10 to 20 mg per pound) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

Cefazolin is classified as a Pregnancy Category B drug.
Reproduction studies have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefazolin.

Nursing Mothers

Cefazolin is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers.
Caution should be exercised when cefazolin is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness for use in premature infants and neonates have not been established.
Pediatric patients with mild to moderate renal impairment require dose adjustments.

Geriatric Use

Of the 920 subjects who received cefazolin in clinical studies, 313 (34%) were 65 years and over, while 138 (15%) were 75 years and over.
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.