Cefazolin

Products

Cefazolin is commercially available as an injection and infusion preparation (Kefzol, generics). It has been approved in many countries since 1974.

Structure and properties

Cefazolin (C14H14N8O4S3, Mr = 454.5 g/mol) is present in drugs as cefazolin sodium, a white powder that is readily soluble in water.

Effects

Cefazolin (ATC J01DA04) is bactericidal. Its effects are due to inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. It has a short half-life (1.4 hours when administered intravenously).

Indications

For treatment of bacterial infectious diseases with susceptible pathogens.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

Contraindications

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Drug-drug interactions have been described with probenecid, bacteriostatic drugs, aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, and nephrotoxic drugs.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include digestive disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, flatulence, and abdominal pain, allergic skin reactions, and pain at the injection site. Very rarely, anaphylaxis is possible after injection.