Cefazolin is an antibiotic in injection form indicated to combat different types of bacteria that cause infections of the respiratory tract, skin, bones, joints, genitals and urinary tract, for example, and belongs to the group of cephalosporins.
The dose and treatment time with cefazolin vary according to the infection being treated and can be administered directly into the muscle or vein, by a healthcare professional under medical supervision.
Cefazolin can be found in the form of a powder for injectable solution containing 1 g or 2 g of cefazolin sodium, as a generic or under the reference name Kefazol, and must be used under medical advice.
What is it for
Cefazolin is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Respiratory infectionsincluding pneumonia;
- Skin infections and soft tissues;
- Genital infectionssuch as prostatitis or epididymitis;
- Biliary tract infections;
- Bacterial endocarditiswhich is a type of infection that occurs in the heart valves;
- Urinary infectionscaused by bacteria such as Proteus is wonderful or Escherichia coli;
- Blood infections;
- Bone and joint infectioncaused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
Furthermore, this antibiotic can also be used before, during and after surgery to prevent infections.
How to use and dosage
Cefazolin must be used through an injection applied directly into the vein (intravenous) or into the muscle (intramuscular) by the nurse in the hospital.
Doses depend on the infection to be prevented or treated and the doctor’s recommendation, varying between adults and children, as indicated below:
1. Dosage for adults
The dosage of cefazolin for adults varies according to the condition being treated and includes:
- Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infection: 1 ga every 12 hours intravenously;
- Pneumococcal pneumonia: 500 mg every 12 hours intravenously;
- Endocarditis prevention: 1 g intravenously, 30 minutes before starting surgery;
- Mild infections: 250 to 500 mg every 8 hours, intravenously;
- Moderate to severe infections: 500 mg to 1 g, every 6 to 8 hours, intravenously;
- Prevention of surgical or post-surgical infections: 1 g intravenously, 30 to 60 minutes before starting surgery. In prolonged surgeries lasting 2 hours or more, 500 mg to 1 g is indicated during surgery. Postoperatively, the dose normally indicated is 500 mg to 1 g within 24 hours after surgery.
In the case of the elderly, it may be necessary to readjust the dose of the antibiotic, depending on kidney function, and this must be calculated by the doctor. The dose in adults should not exceed 6g per day.
2. Dosage for children
The dosage of cefazolin for children older than 1 month and younger than 12 years, depending on the problem to be treated, is:
- Endocarditis prevention: 25 mg per kg of body weight intravenously, 30 minutes before starting surgery, or as advised by the pediatrician;
- Mild to moderate infection: 6.25 to 12.5 mg per kg of body weight every 6 hours or 8.3 to 16.7 mg per kg of body weight every 8 hours or as directed by the pediatrician;
- Serious infection: 25 mg per kg of body weight every 6 hours or 33.3 mg per kg of body weight every 8 hours;
- Prevention of surgical or post-surgical infections in children: 25 to 30 mg per kg of body weight or as directed by the doctor, 30 to 60 minutes before starting surgery.
In the case of children under 1 month of age, the dose normally indicated is 20 mg per kg of body weight every 8 or 12 hours intravenously or as directed by the doctor.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of cefazolin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain at the injection site and blistering of the skin.
In addition, inflammation of the veins and fungal infection in the mouth may also occur.
Cefazolin may cause serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis that require immediate medical attention. In these cases, treatment should be stopped, especially if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face and hives occur. Know how to identify all the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction.
Who shouldn’t use
Cefazolin should not be used by pregnant or lactating women without medical advice, as well as by people with colitis or kidney failure.
This antibiotic is also contraindicated in people allergic to cefazolin, cephalosporins or other components of the formula. You should tell your doctor if you have had a mild allergic reaction to penicillin or other similar antibiotics.
Additionally, people taking blood thinners such as warfarin and heparin should inform their treating physician before receiving cefazolin.
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