Cefazolin is a semisynthetic antibiotic that belongs to the group of cephalosporins. In this context, the drug belongs to first-generation cephalosporins. Cefazolin is characterized by its bactericidal properties. Here, the effect of the drug is primarily based on the fact that the active substance impairs the formation of cell walls in bacteria.
What is cefazolin?
Basically, the active substance cefazolin belongs to the group of so-called beta-lactam antibiotics, which in turn belong to the cephalosporins. As a rule, the active ingredient is used to treat infectious diseases that occur both acutely and chronically. It is possible to administer the drug cefazolin parenterally. For this purpose, the drug is used in powder form to prepare a suitable solution for injection or infection. The plasma half-life in this case is usually about two hours. The drug is predominantly excreted via the kidney. In some cases, the synonyms cefazolinum, cefazolin sodium or cefazolinum natricum are used for the active ingredient cefazolin. On the market, the drug is available exclusively in the form of solutions to be used as injections and infusions. In Switzerland, the drug has had a marketing authorization since 1974. In pharmacy, cefazolin is used in the form of cefazolin sodium. This substance is usually a powder of white color, which has a low solubility in water. Basically, the drug is administered either intramuscularly or intravenously. Use is only appropriate in cases where the presence of susceptible pathogens is certain. Cefazolin is sometimes associated with some undesirable side effects.
Pharmacologic action
Cefazolin has a characteristic mode of action, making the drug suitable for the therapy of specific infectious diseases. In principle, cefalocin exhibits a bactericidal effect, which means that it kills bacteria. The reason for this bactericidal effect is that the active ingredient impairs bacterial synthesis of the cell wall. As a result, the germs die because undisturbed reproduction is no longer possible. In addition, the active ingredient has a relatively short half-life of approximately 1.4 hours when administered intravenously. However, cefazolin is only effective against specific bacteria. These include, for example, staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Numerous other germs, such as Proteus vulgaris, various Streptococcus strains and Enterobacter cloacae, predominantly show resistance to the drug cefazolin. If a patient’s kidneys are functioning properly, the dominant elimination half-life is approximately two hours.
Medical application and use
Cefazolin is suitable for the therapy of numerous infections. In this context, the drug should generally be dosed according to the professional information. In most cases, cefazolin is used either intravenously or intramuscularly. The main area of application for the drug is infectious diseases of the skin caused by sensitive pathogens. In addition, the drug is also suitable for the treatment of moderately severe infections affecting the lungs, joints, bones, stomach, blood, urinary tract or even heart valves. Thus, for example, in case of bronchitis or pneumonia, it is recommended to administer cefazolin. The drug can also be used for infections in the renal pelvis, ureter and urinary bladder, as well as the prostate. In addition, cefazolin is also used in some cases for prophylaxis, whereby it is intended in particular to prevent infections that arise in the course of surgical procedures. This is the case, for example, in open operations on the heart, joints and bones. Cefazolin is also administered for infections of the bile ducts, soft tissues, or sepsis.
Risks and side effects
A variety of adverse side effects and symptoms are possible as part of therapy with the drug cefazolin, and these vary depending on the individual case. For example, hypersensitivity reactions and gastrointestinal tract symptoms have been reported after cefazolin administration. These include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.Particularly on the skin near the injection or infusion site, allergic reactions in the form of exanthema, pruritus or urticaria are seen in some cases. In addition, some patients complain of loss of appetite or pain in the abdominal area during therapy with cefazolin. Hypersensitivity reactions sometimes show fever, angioedema or, in the worst case, anaphylactic shock. Other possible side effects of the drug include hemolytic anemia, eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Cefazolin must not be used if the patient concerned is already known to be intolerant or hypersensitive to the drug or other antibiotics from the group of beta-lactams. In addition, the drug should not be administered during breastfeeding, as the active substance passes into breast milk. Premature infants and infants in the first month after birth should also not be treated with cefazolin. In addition, it should be noted that in some cases a cross-allergy occurs in the case of an existing allergy to penicillin. If side effects occur during treatment with the active ingredient cefazolin, a physician should be consulted immediately.
