Health Library

Cefazolin (By injection)

Cefazolin Sodium (sef-A-zoe-lin SOE-dee-um)

Treats or prevents serious infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for at least 30 minutes.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how cefazolin works. Tell your doctor if you are using probenecid or a blood thinner.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or seizures.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Bloody or watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024