Cefazolin, also known as cefazoline and cephazolin, is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used to treat cellulitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, joint infection, and biliary tract infections. It is also used to prevent group B streptococcal disease around the time of delivery and before surgery. It is typically given by injection into a muscle or vein.Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, yeast infections, and allergic reactions. It is not recommended in people who have a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin. 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 bacterias cell wall.Cefazolin was patented in 1967 and came into commercial use in 1971. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. Medical uses
Cefazolin is used in a variety of infections provided that susceptible organisms are involved. It is indicated for use in the following infections:
Respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infections
Skin infections
Biliary tract infections
Bone and joint infections
Genital infections
Blood infections (sepsis)
EndocarditisIt can also be used peri-operatively to prevent infections post-surgery, and is often the preferred drug for surgical prophylaxis.There is no penetration into the central nervous system and therefore cefazolin is not effective in treating meningitis.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).
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. Cost
Cefazolin is relatively inexpensive. Trade names
It was initially marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Ancef.Other trade names include: Cefacidal, Cefamezin, Cefrina, Elzogram, Faxilen, Gramaxin, Kefol, Kefzol, Kefzolan, Kezolin, Novaporin, Reflin, Zinol, and Zolicef. References
External links
MedlinePlus Drug Information: Cefazolin Sodium Injection.