cefazolin (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about cefazolin?

Cefazolin can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to an antibiotic, especially penicillin.

What is cefazolin?

Cefazolin is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefazolin is sometimes given before and after surgery to prevent infection.

Cefazolin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cefazolin?

• cefazolin, cefuroxime, cefadroxil, cefdinir, cefoxitin, cefprozil, ceftriaxone, cephalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others;
• avibactam, relebactam, sulbactam, tazobactam, vaborbactam, and others; or
• amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Moxatag), ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any drug (especially penicillin);
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• seizures;
• intestinal problems, such as colitis;
• diabetes; or
• an allergy to corn.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How is cefazolin given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cefazolin is injected into a vein.

This medicine must be given slowly over 30 minutes.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Cefazolin may need to be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefazolin.

Cefazolin mixed with a diluent can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or in a refrigerator for up to 7 days.

After thawing, you may store cefazolin at room temperature for up to 48 hours, or in a refrigerator for 30 days. Do not refreeze the medicine once it has been thawed.

Carefully follow all mixing and storage instructions for this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose can cause a seizure.

What should I avoid while using cefazolin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

What are the possible side effects of cefazolin?

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• fever, swollen glands, itching, joint pain, or not feeling well;
• a seizure; or
• liver problems --upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache;
• pain where the medicine was injected;
• rash; or
• an allergic reaction.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cefazolin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially probenecid.

Other drugs may affect cefazolin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefazolin.