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Cefazolin (injection)

Generic name: cefazolin (injection) [sef-A-zoe-lin]
Brand name: Ancef Kefzol
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (1 g; 10 g; 2 g; 500 mg); injectable solution (1 g/10 ml; 2 g/100 ml-5%; 2 g/20 ml);… Show all 4 dosage forms.
Drug class: first-generation cephalosporins

What is Cefazolin?

Cefazolin, an antibacterial, is prescribed to adults and children older than 1 month for bacterial infections in the lungs, bones, joints, skin, genitals, and gallbladder. This includes infections that are life-threatening or severe, such as blood or heart bacterial infections. Cefazolin can be given to adults and children over 10 years of age before and after surgeries in order to prevent infection. Cefazolin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Cefazolin

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, facial and throat swelling and extreme skin reactions such as fever or redness on the surface (fever or redness), they could indicate an allergy-type reaction to certain substances or substances that come in contact with skin. Sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.

Some side effects can occur during the injection. You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, itching, sweating, or a headache.

Cefazolin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhoea (even months after the last dose);
  • A seizure;
  • Liver problems: upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine or stools, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes);
  • Low blood cell counts can cause fever, chills, and fatigue, as well as mouth sores or skin sores. They may also result in easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin on the hands and feet, a feeling of lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.

Cefazolin can cause a variety of side effects.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
  • Headache;
  • Rash, itching;
  • An allergic reaction
  • Pain, bruising, or swelling where the medicine has been injected

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report them.

Similar/related drugs

Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin Metronidazole and Clindamycin may all help.

Warnings

Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.

Before you take this drug

Cefazolin may cause severe or even life-threatening reactions. Do not use cefazolin if you have an allergy to it or other similar medications, such as

  • Cefuroxime (also known as cefdinir), cefepime (also known as ceftriaxone), cephalexin, and others
  • Amoxicillin (amoxil, augmentin), ampicillin, penicillin, and others.
  • Ertapenem and other meropenem

Cefazolin may not be suitable for you if:

  • Diabetes;
  • An allergy to products containing dextrose;
  • Allergy to corn

Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:

  • Seizures;
  • Bleeding problems
  • Liver or kidney disease

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

How to take Cefazolin?

Read and comply with any instructions that accompany your medication, i.e. Any guides provided with it. Follow the directions on the label. Cefazolin can be injected either into a vein or into the muscle. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Even if you feel better quickly, it is important to continue taking this medication. If you skip doses, your infection could become resistant to the medication. Cefazolin does not treat a virus, such as the flu or a common cold.

Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. If you experience diarrhoea that is bloody or watery, tell your doctor. Cefazolin can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that treats you about your use of cefazolin. Cefazolin comes with specific instructions for storage. You can get more information from your pharmacist about how to store cefazolin.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you forget to take a cefazolin dose, call your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. An overdose can cause a seizure.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including Probenecid. Cefazolin can be affected by many other medications. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.