What is Cefazolin ?
Cefazolin is a cephalosporin antibiotic which is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including those that are serious or life-threatening. The medication is also used to help patients who are undergoing certain surgery for preventing infections. Cefazolin is available under other brand names: Kefzol and Ancef.
Cefazolin Uses
Cefazolin injection is used for the treatment of bacterial infections like skin, bone, joint, genital, blood, heart valve, respiratory tract (including pneumonia), biliary tract, and urinary tract infections. The injections may also be used to avoid infection before, during, and even for a short time after surgery.
Cefazolin injection belongs to the cephalosporin antibiotics family of medicines. It functions by eradicating bacteria. Colds, flu, and other viral infections will not react to antibiotics including cefazolin injection.
Cefazolin Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Cefazolin are:
- Itching
- White patches in mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
Some of the serious side effects of Cefazolin are:
- Rash
- Hives
- Difficulty while breathing
- Swelling in legs and feet
- Dark urine
- Fainting
The majorities of side effects are minor and will go away as your body responds to the medication. If they don’t go away or you’re concerned about them consult with your doctor.
Precautions
Before taking Cefazolin, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before taking the drug talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Kidney disease, liver disease, stomach and intestinal problems.
How to use Cefazolin?
Cefazolin injection is available as a powder that must be mixed with liquid or as a premixed substance that must be injected intravenously (through a vein) over a 30-minute duration. Injections of cefazolin may also be offered intramuscularly (into a muscle). It’s typically given every six, eight, or twelve hours. The duration of your treatment is determined by the type of infection you have and the body’s reaction to the drug.
Dosage
Overdose
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to result in serious side effects. However, ingestion of this medicine may result in some serious health diseases.
Missed Dose
As soon as you remember, take the missing dose. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. To make up for a missed dose, do not add a double dose.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Warnings for serious health conditions
Pregnancy
Cefazolin may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Animal tests have shown adverse effects on the developing infant but there are very limited studies on human. Before prescribing it to you, the doctor can consider the advantages as well as any possible risks. Please seek medical advice.
Breastfeeding
It’s likely that Cefazolin is safe to use when breastfeeding. Based on limited human evidence, the drug appears to have no serious risk to the infant.
Cefazolin vs Ceftriaxone
| Cefazolin | Ceftriaxone |
|---|---|
| Cefazolin is a cephalosporin antibiotic which is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including those that are serious or life-threatening. | Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic. This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those that are serious or life-threatening. |
| Cefazolin injection belongs to the cephalosporin antibiotics family of medicines. It functions by eradicating bacteria. | It belongs to the cephalosporin antibiotics class of drugs. The medication functions by eradicating bacteria. |
Some of the serious side effects of Cefazolin are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Ceftriaxone are:
|
