cefazolin (injection)

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

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 also used to help prevent infection in people having certain types of surgery.

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

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• seizures;
• diabetes;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis; or
• an allergy to any type of penicillin.

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 given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Cefazolin must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 30 minutes to complete.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Cefazolin may need to be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection such as the 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.

Take the mixture out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before injecting your dose. Mixed medicine must be used within a certain number of days once it reaches room temperature. Carefully follow all mixing and storage instructions for this medicine.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using cefazolin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

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, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
• seizure (convulsions); 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;
• 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.

This list is not complete. 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.