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Indications - Cefazolin is indicated in the treatment of the following serious infections due to susceptible organisms: Respiratory Tract Infections, Urinary Tract Infections, Skin and Skin Structure Infections, Biliary Tract Infections, Bone and Joint Infections, Genital Infections, Septicemia, Endocarditis and Perioperative Prophylaxis.

Dosage & Administration - Adult Dose Moderate to severe infection: 500 mg to 1 gm for every 6 to 8 hours Mild infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive cocci: 250 mg to 500 mg for every 8 hours Acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 1 gm for every 12 hours Pneumococcal pneumonia: 500 mg for every 12 hours Severe life-threatening infections (e.g. Endocarditis, Septicemia): 1 gm to 1.5 gm for every 6 hours. In rare instances, doses up to 12 gm per day can be used Perioperative Prophylactic Use: To prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery, recommended doses are: 1 gm IM or IV administered half hour to 1 hour prior to the start of surgery. For lengthy operative procedures (e.g. 2 hours or more), 500 mg to 1 gm IM or IV during surgery. 500 mg to 1 gm IM or IV every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours postoperatively. In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating (e.g. open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic administration may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the completion of surgery.

Side Effects - Common side effects include:Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, skin rash, or a hard lump), diarrhea, stomach pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, skin rash or itching, hives, white patches or sores inside the mouth or on the lips, vaginal itching or discharge,heartburn, gas,rectal itching,confusion, weakness, hypotension, drowsiness, headache and allergic reactions.

Contraindications - Cefazolin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the Cephalosporin group of Antibiotics.

Others - Pregnancy & Lactation Pregnancy Category B. Cefazolin is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers.Caution should be exercised when Cefazolin is administered to a nursing woman.