Cefazolin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug is Cefazolin?

What is Cefazolin for?

Cefazolin is an antibiotic drug with a function to treat various types of bacterial infections. Cefazolin can be used either before or after certain surgeries to prevent infection. This drug belongs to the class of cephalosporin antibiotics that work to stop the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics such as cefazolin will have no effect on viral infections such as fever and influenza. Taking unnecessary antibiotics risks making your body more susceptible to infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatment in the future.

The cefazolin dosage and side effects of cefazolin are described further below.

How to use Cefazolin?

Some rules of use that you should pay attention to before using cefazolin antibiotics are:

• Always follow the rules that have been given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Each product has different rules of use, but this drug is generally used by injection into a vein or muscle. The doctor will determine the right dose for your treatment according to your health condition and response to the treatment process.
• If you are going to treat yourself at home using this medication, learn all the instructions you can get from a medical professional.
• Always check product suitability before starting to use. If there are suspicious particles or discoloration, do not continue using it and throw the drug away immediately.
• Antibiotics work best when the levels of medicines in your body are in a stable condition. It is advisable to take this drug in a balanced period of time.
• Continue treatment until the prescribed dose is completed and symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping treatment too early can put you at risk of the infection coming back.
• If your health condition does not improve, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Cefazolin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Cefazolin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cefazolin for adults?

For many bacterial infections, the usual dose of cefazolin is 250 to 500 mg intravenously every 6-8 hours. In certain cases, doses up to 12 g / day are commonly used.

What is the dose of Cefazolin for children?

To treat bacterial infections, the antibiotic dose of cefazoline is:

• 25 to 50 mg / kg / day intravenously in 3 or 4 divided doses. Meanwhile, if the infection is severe, 100 mg / kg / day by infusion in 3 or 4 divided doses equally.
• The dose should not be more than 6 g / day.

To overcome e ndocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart), the antibiotic dose of cefazoline is:

• 100 mg / kg / day by injection in 3 or 4 divided doses
• The dose should not be more than 6 g / day.

In what dosage is Cefazolin available?

The dosage requirements for cefazolin are:

• Solution, infusion: 1g, 2g
• Solution, injection: 500mg, 1g, 10g, 20g, 100g, 300g

Cefazolin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Cefazolin?

The milder side effects of the antibiotic cefazolin are:

• Allergic reactions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Mild diarrhea
• Stiff muscles
• Joint pain
• Feelings of restlessness or hyperactivity
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Vaginal itching or vaginal discharge

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects of cefazolin. Some of the serious side effects that may occur from using cefazolin are:

• Diarrhea in the form of fluid or blood
• Fever, chills, pain, flu symptoms
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Seizures
• Pale or yellowing skin, dark urine, fever, confusion or fatigue
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• Swollen glands
• Rash and itching
• Long-lasting sore throat
• Increased feeling of thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• You urinate less than usual or not at all

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefazolin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Cefazolin?

It is not recommended to take this drug if you have had a severe allergic reaction to Cefazolin or other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• Cefaclor (Raniclor)
• Cefadroxil (Duricef)
• Cefdinir (Omnicef)
• Cefditoren (Spectracef)
• Cefazolin (Ancef)
• Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
• Cefprozil (Cefzil)
• Ceftibuten (Cedax)
• Cefuroxime (Ceftin)
• Cephalexin (Keflex); or
• Cephradine (Velosef)

In order to ensure that this drug is safe for you to consume, some health conditions that you should tell your doctor first before taking the antibiotic cefazolin are:

• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Indigestion, such as colitis
• Malnutrition
• Allergy to certain types of penicillin

Is Cefazolin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Cefazolin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Cefazolin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with Cefazolin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Cefazolin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Some of the health conditions that may interact with cefazolin are:

• Kidney illness
• Acute kidney disease
• Acute liver disease
• Malnutrition conditions
• Disturbances in the stomach or digestion, for example colitis or acute diarrhea
• Have a medical history of seizures

Cefazolin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.