What is Cefazolin?
Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which is a type of beta-lactam antibiotic. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and urinary tract infections. Cefazolin is administered intravenously or intramuscularly and works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of bacterial cells. It has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but limited activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Common side effects include redness and swelling at the injection site, dizziness, and changes in liver function tests.
What is Cefazolin used for?
Cefazolin is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic that belongs to the first generation of this class of antibiotics. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of cephalexin and has been widely used in clinical settings for over four decades. Cefazolin’s mechanism of action involves binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on bacterial cell walls, leading to disruption of peptidoglycan synthesis, ultimately causing cell lysis and death.
Cefazolin is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, with a typical dose ranging from 0.5-1g every six hours in adults for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, septicemia, peritonitis, and meningitis caused by susceptible organisms. The drug is rapidly absorbed after IM administration but is eliminated mainly through renal excretion. It has a half-life of approximately 1-2 hours and achieves steady-state levels within three to four hours.
Cefazolin has been shown to be effective against a range of bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible), Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and certain strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, it has inherent limitations against other gram-negative bacteria and some resistant strains of gram-positive bacteria. Despite this, cefazolin remains a valuable option in the management of infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly when used in conjunction with proper infection control measures.
Cefazolin side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Flushing of the skin
- Allergic reactions (such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing)
- Blood disorders (such as decreased platelet count)
- Increased risk of bleeding or bruising
- Abnormal kidney function
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare skin disorder)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare skin disorder)
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