Cefazolin
Cefazolin, also known as cefazoline or cephazolin, is an antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. The drug is usually administered by either intramuscular injection (injection into a large muscle) or intravenous infusion (intravenous fluid into a vein).
Due to possible cross-reactivity with penicillins, people who have experienced anaphylaxis to penicillins are not advised
to receive cephalosporins. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad spectrum antibiotic with activity against both gram-negative
and gram-positive bacteria.
It was initially marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Ancef, but is no longer available as brand name products. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines the most important medications needed for a basic health system.
Medical uses
Cefazolin is used in a variety of infections provided that susceptible organisms are involved. It is indicated for use in the following infections:
