• Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections:

Indications for Cefazolin:

Susceptible bacterial infections including septicemia, respiratory, biliary or GU tract, skin and skin structure, bone and joint, endocarditis. Surgical prophylaxis.


Pneumococcal pneumonia: 500mg every 12 hours. Mild infections: 250–500mg every 8 hours; moderate to severe infections: 500mg–1g every 6–8 hours. Severe, life-threatening infections (eg, endocarditis, septicemia): 1–1.5g every 6 hours; max 12g/day. UTIs: 1g every 12 hours. Prophylaxis: see literature. Renal impairment (give initial loading dose): (CrCl 35–54mL/min): reduce dosing frequency to at least 8 hour intervals; (CrCl 11–34mL/min): reduce dose by 50%, give every 12 hours; (CrCl <10mL/min): reduce dose by 50%, give every 18–24 hours. Peritoneal dialysis: see literature.


<1 month: not recommended. ≥1 month: Mild to moderately severe infections: 25–50mg/kg per day in 3–4 divided doses. Severe infections: max 100mg/kg per day. Renal impairment (give initial loading dose): (CrCl 40–70mL/min): reduce dose by 40%; give every 12 hours; (CrCl 20–40mL/min): reduce dose by 75%, give every 12 hours; (CrCl 5–20mL/min): reduce dose by 90%, give every 24 hours.


Penicillin or other allergy. Renal impairment: reduce dose. GI disease (esp. colitis). Monitor PT in patients at risk (eg, renal or hepatic impairment, poor nutritional state, long term use, or anticoagulant therapy). Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.

Pharmacologic Class:



Potentiated by probenecid. May cause false (+) Clinitest, Benedict's, or Fehling's soln.

Adverse Reactions:

GI upset, anaphylaxis, rash, pruritus, local reactions, blood dyscrasias, elevated liver enzymes.


Formerly known under the brand names Ancef, Kefzol.

How Supplied:

Contact supplier.

Pricing for Cefazolin

10g vial (Qty: 10)
Appx. price $54