What is this medicine?
CEFAZOLIN (sef A zoe lin) is a cephalosprin antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- fever or chills
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- seizures
- severe or watery diarrhea
- sore throat
- stomach pain or cramps
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- genital or anal irritation
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- pain or redness where injected
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is infused into a vein. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine had been used in children as young as 1 month old.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?- blood thinners
- other antibiotics
- probenecid
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to cefazolin or other cephalosporins.
- Hypersensitivity to corn or corn products: Duplex® delivery system containing lyophilized cefazolin and dextrose injection and premixed injection (frozen) containing cefazolin in dextrose injection.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better in a few days.
If you have diabetes you might get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- bleeding problems
- diarrhea
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- stomach or intestine problems (especially colitis)
- an unusual or allergic reaction to cefazolin, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you have been diagnosed with a disease for which an antibiotic is needed, you must complete the prescribed course of treatment. Even if you start to feel better, do not skip any doses and remember to take the medication until it is all gone.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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