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Cefazolin, also known as cefazoline and cephazolin, is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections.

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Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, yeast infections, and allergic reactions. It is relatively safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Cefazolin is in the first-generation cephalosporin class of medication and works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication.

  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Skin infections
  • Biliary tract infections
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Genital infections
  • Blood infections (sepsis)
  • Endocarditis

It can also be used peri-operatively to prevent infections post-surgery, and is often the preferred drug for surgical prophylaxis.

Cefazolin has been shown to be effective in treating methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) but does not work in cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Cefazolin does not fight against Enterococcus, anaerobic bacteria, or atypical bacteria, among others.

  • Escherichia coli
  • Proteus mirabilis
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae

Non susceptible

The following are not susceptible:

Newborns

There has been no established safety and effectiveness for use in premature infants and neonates.

Patients with penicillin allergies could experience a potential reaction to cefazolin and other cephalosporins. Those with an allergy to penicillin may develop a cross sensitivity to cefazolin.

Mechanism of action

Cefazolin inhibits cell wall biosynthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins which stops peptidoglycan synthesis. Penicillin-binding proteins are bacterial proteins that help to catalyze the last stages of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is needed to maintain the cell wall. They remove the D-alanine from the precursor of the peptidoglycan. The lack of synthesis causes the bacteria to lyse because they also continually break down their cell walls. Cefazolin is bactericidal, meaning it kills the bacteria rather than inhibiting their growth.

Trade names

It was initially marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Nostof.

Other trade names include: Cefacidal, Cefamezin, Cefrina, Elzogram, Faxilen, Gramaxin, Kefol, Kefzol, Kefzolan, Kezolin, Novaporin, Reflin, Zinol, and Zolicef.

References

  • MedlinePlus Drug Information: Cefazolin Sodium Injection.