About sterile cefazolin
First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Used for
- Treats susceptible bacterial infections, including skin, urinary, bone, and joint infections.
- Prevents infections around surgery.
Usual adult dose
Usually 0.5–1 g every 6–8 hours; severe infections may need 1–1.5 g every 6 hours. Surgical prevention: usually 1–2 g before surgery.
Usual dose in children
For children at least one month old: usually 25–50 mg/kg daily, divided every 6–8 hours; severe infections may need up to 100 mg/kg daily.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Injection-site pain or inflammation
- Rash or itching
- Rarely, severe allergic reaction or antibiotic-associated colitis
Important warnings
- Use only for bacterial infections; it does not treat viral illnesses.
- Tell clinicians about serious penicillin or cephalosporin allergies.
- Dose may need adjustment with kidney impairment.
- Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or severe or bloody diarrhea.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically needed; available information has not identified a clear risk to the fetus.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; monitor for infant diarrhea, thrush, or rash.
Interactions
- Probenecid can increase cefazolin levels.
- Warfarin may increase bleeding risk; monitoring may be needed.
- Other medicines affecting kidney function may increase kidney-related risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.