Kefzol (Injectable)
Cefazolin is an antibiotic that is used in adults and children at least 1 month old to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, bone and joints, urinary tract, skin, genitals, and gallbladder, including those that are severe or life-threatening, such as heart or blood bacterial infections.
Cefazolin is also used before, during, and after surgery to prevent infections in adults and children at least 10 years old.
Cefazolin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Kefzol (Injectable) used for?
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis
- Cholecystitis
- Endocarditis
- Epididymitis -- Non-Specific
- Joint Infection
- Osteomyelitis
- Peritonitis
- Pneumonia
- Prostatitis
- Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
- Septicemia
- Bacterial Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Skin and Structure Infection
- Surgical Prophylaxis
- Tuberculosis - Urinary Tract
- Streptococcemia
- Infection - Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral
- Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Kefzol (Injectable)?
Cefazolin can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cefazolin or similar medicines such as:
- cefuroxime, cefdinir, cefepime, ceftriaxone, cephalexin, and others;
- amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), ampicillin, penicillin, and others; or
- meropenem, imipenem and cilastatin, ertapenem, and others.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- diabetes;
- seizures;
- diarrhea caused by an infection or antibiotics;
- an allergy to corn or dextrose-containing products;
- bleeding problems or a blood clotting disorder;
- an intestinal disorder such as colitis;
- if you are malnourished;
- used other antibiotics for a long period of time;
- a blood thinner (such as warfarin); or
- liver or kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Kefzol (Injectable)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- seizures;
- low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
- kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
- liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- pain, bruising, induration, redness, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- headache; or
- an allergic reaction such as skin rash, hives.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Kefzol (Injectable) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Kefzol (Injectable)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Kefzol (Injectable)?
Use Kefzol (Injectable) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Cefazolin is injected into a vein or into a muscle. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself. Your doctor will determine the right treatment schedule for you.
Prepare cefazolin only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.
Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).
Depending on the severity of the infection, cefazolin is usually given for as long as needed after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor or laboratory staff who treats you that you are using cefazolin.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood and kidney function may need to be tested often.
Follow all storage instructions provided with cefazolin. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.