Cefazolin is an antibiotic drug to treat bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia. This drug can also be used to prevent bacterial infections in someone who is about to have or has had surgery.
Cefazolin belongs to the class of cephalosporin antibiotics. This drug works by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls and stopping the replication or proliferation of bacteria. Please note, this drug cannot be used to treat infections due to viruses, such as the flu.
Cefazolin trademark:Cefazol, Cefazolin Sodium
What is Cefazolin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Cephalosporin antibiotics |
| Benefit | Treating bacterial infections and preventing bacterial infections before and after surgery |
| Used by | Adults and children over 1 year old |
| Cefazolin for pregnant and lactating women | Category B:Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Cefazolin can be absorbed into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Cefazolin
Before using this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following things:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Cefazolin should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug or to other cephalosporin drugs, such as cefadroxil.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, diarrhea, or colitis.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine, while you are taking cefazolin, as this medicine may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using cefazolin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Cefazolin
Cefazolin will be injected through a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or a vein (intravenous/IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The following are common doses of cefazolin:
Condition: Bacterial infection
- Mature: 0.25–1.5 grams, every 6–8 hours. The maximum dose is 12 grams per day.
- Children over 1 year old: 25–50 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 3–4 doses. The maximum dose is 100 mg/kg body weight per day.
Condition: Uncomplicated acute urinary tract infection
- Mature: 1 gram, every 12 hours. The maximum dose is 12 grams per day.
- Children over 1 year old: 25–50 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 3–4 doses. The maximum dose is 100 mg/kg body weight per day.
Condition: Pneumonia
- Mature: 500 mg, every 12 hours. The maximum dose is 12 g per day.
- Children over 1 year old: 25–50 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 3–4 doses. The maximum dose is 100 mg/kg body weight per day.
Condition: Prevention of infection during and before surgery
- Mature: 1 g, administered 30–60 minutes before surgery. For long-term procedures followed by 0.5–1 gram, during surgery. Thereafter, 0.5–1 gram, every 6–8 hours, after surgery, for 1–5 days.
How to Use Cefazolin Correctly
Cefazolin will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected through a vein (intravenous/IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular/IM), as directed by the doctor.
Follow the injection schedule given by the doctor for effective treatment. During treatment, you may need to have regular medical tests to check your body's response to the medication.
Cefazolin Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur if cefazolin is used with certain drugs:
- Enhanced anticoagulant effect of warfarin
- Decreased effectiveness of sodium picosulfate, BCG vaccine, or typhoid vaccine
- Increased risk of impaired renal function if used with aminoglycoside drugs
- Decreased effectiveness of phenytoin or phosphenytoin
- Increased blood levels of cefazolin when used with probenecid
Cefazolin Side Effects and Dangers
The following are side effects that can occur after using cefazolin:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Swelling in the feet or legs
- Mood swings, confusion, or seizures
- Fast, irregular, or pounding heart
- Severe diarrhea, accompanied by blood, or severe abdominal pain
- Fever, joint pain, or feeling unwell
- Liver disease that can be characterized by symptoms such as yellow skin, upper abdominal pain, dark urine, or loss of appetite
In addition, the use of cefazolin in the long term and repeatedly can increase the risk of fungal infections, including in the mouth. Check with your doctor if you have thrush or white patches appear on your mouth and tongue.
