Cefazolin - Cefazolin injection, Powder, For Solution prescribing information
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Cefazolin for injection is indicated in the treatment of the following infections due to susceptible organisms:
Respiratory Tract Infections: Due to S. pneumoniae, Klebsiella species, H. influenzae, S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci .
Injectable benzathine penicillin is considered to be the drug of choice in treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever.
Cefazolin for injection is effective in the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of cefazolin for injection in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present.
Urinary Tract Infections: Due to E. coli, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella species, and some strains of enterobacter and enterococci .
Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Due to S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), group A beta-hemolytic streptococci , and other strains of streptococci .
Biliary Tract Infections: Due to E. coli, various strains of streptococci , P. mirabilis, Klebsiella species, and S. aureus.
Bone and Joint Infections: Due to S. aureus.
Genital Infections: (i.e., prostatitis, epididymitis) due to E. coli, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella species, and some strains of enterococci .
Septicemia: Due to S. pneumoniae, S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), P. mirabilis, E. coli, and Klebsiella species.
Endocarditis: Due to S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant) and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci .
Perioperative Prophylaxis: The prophylactic administration of cefazolin for injection preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively may reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures which are classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated (e.g., vaginal hysterectomy, and cholecystectomy in high-risk patients such as those older than 70 years, with acute cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice, or common duct bile stones).
The perioperative use of cefazolin for injection may also be effective in surgical patients in whom infection at the operative site would present a serious risk (e.g., during open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty).
The prophylactic administration of cefazolin for injection should usually be discontinued within a 24-hour period after the surgical procedure. In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating (e.g., open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic administration of cefazolin for injection may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the completion of surgery.
If there are signs of infection, specimens for cultures should be obtained for the identification of the causative organism so that appropriate therapy may be instituted. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefazolin for injection and other antibacterial drugs, cefazolin for injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Usual Adult Dosage
Type of Infection | Dose | Frequency |
Moderate to severe infections | 500 mg to 1 gram | every 6 to 8 hours |
Mild infections caused by susceptible gram-positive cocci | 250 mg to 500 mg | every 8 hours |
Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections | 1 gram | every 12 hours |
Pneumococcal pneumonia | 500 mg | every 12 hours |
Severe, life-threatening infections (e.g., endocarditis, septicemia) | 1 gram to 1.5 grams | every 6 hours |
• In rare instances, doses of up to 12 grams of cefazolin for injection per day have been used.
Perioperative Prophylactic Use
To prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery, recommended doses are:
- a. 1 gram intravenous or intramuscular administered 1/2 hour to 1 hour prior to the start of surgery.
- b. For lengthy operative procedures (e.g., 2 hours or more), 500 mg to 1 gram intravenous or intramuscular during surgery (administration modified depending on the duration of the operative procedure).
- c. 500 mg to 1 gram intravenous or intramuscular every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours postoperatively.
It is important that (1) the preoperative dose be given just (1/2 to 1 hour) prior to the start of surgery so that adequate antibiotic levels are present in the serum and tissues at the time of initial surgical incision; and (2) cefazolin for injection be administered, if necessary, at appropriate intervals during surgery to provide sufficient levels of the antibiotic at the anticipated moments of greatest exposure to infective organisms.
In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating (e.g., open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic administration of cefazolin for injection may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the completion of surgery.
Dosage Adjustment for Patients with Reduced Renal Function
Cefazolin for injection may be used in patients with reduced renal function with the following dosage adjustments: Patients with a creatinine clearance of 55 mL/min. or greater or a serum creatinine of 1.5 mg % or less can be given full doses. Patients with creatinine clearance rates of 35 to 54 mL/min. or serum creatinine of 1.6 to 3 mg% can also be given full doses but dosage should be restricted to at least 8 hour intervals. Patients with creatinine clearance rates of 11 to 34 mL/min. or serum creatinine of 3.1 to 4.5 mg% should be given 1/2 the usual dose every 12 hours. Patients with creatinine clearance rates of 10 mL/min. or less or serum creatinine of 4.6 mg% or greater should be given 1/2 the usual dose every 18 to 24 hours. All reduced dosage recommendations apply after an initial loading dose appropriate to the severity of the infection. Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY .
Pediatric Dosage
In pediatric patients, a total daily dosage of 25 to 50 mg per kg (approximately 10 to 20 mg per pound) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses, is effective for most mild to moderately severe infections. Total daily dosage may be increased to 100 mg per kg (45 mg per pound) of body weight for severe infections. Since safety for use in premature infants and in neonates has not been established, the use of cefazolin for injection in these patients is not recommended.
Pediatric Dosage Guide | |||||
Weight | 25 mg/kg/day Divided into 3 Doses | 25 mg/kg/day Divided into 4 Doses | |||
lbs | kg | Approximate Single Dose (mg/every 8 hours) | Vol. (mL) Needed with Dilution of 125 mg/mL | Approximate Single Dose (mg/ every 6 hours) | Vol. (mL) Needed with Dilution of 125 mg/mL |
10 | 4.5 | 40 mg | 0.35 mL | 30 mg | 0.25 mL |
20 | 9 | 75 mg | 0.6 mL | 55 mg | 0.45 mL |
30 | 13.6 | 115 mg | 0.9 mL | 85 mg | 0.7 mL |
40 | 18.1 | 150 mg | 1.2 mL | 115 mg | 0.9 mL |
50 | 22.7 | 190 mg | 1.5 mL | 140 mg | 1.1 mL |
Weight | 50 mg/kg/day Divided into 3 Doses | 50 mg/kg/day Divided into 4 Doses | |||
lbs | kg | Approximate Single Dose (mg/ every 8 hours) | Vol. (mL) Needed with Dilution of 225 mg/mL | Approximate Single Dose (mg/ every 6 hours) | Vol. (mL) Needed with Dilution of 225 mg/mL |
10 | 4.5 | 75 mg | 0.35 mL | 55 mg | 0.25 mL |
20 | 9 | 150 mg | 0.7 mL | 110 mg | 0.5 mL |
30 | 13.6 | 225 mg | 1 mL | 170 mg | 0.75 mL |
40 | 18.1 | 300 mg | 1.35 mL | 225 mg | 1 mL |
50 | 22.7 | 375 mg | 1.7 mL | 285 mg | 1.25 mL |
In pediatric patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 70 to 40 mL/min.), 60 percent of the normal daily dose given in equally divided doses every 12 hours should be sufficient. In patients with moderate impairment (creatinine clearance of 40 to 20 mL/min.), 25 percent of the normal daily dose given in equally divided doses every 12 hours should be adequate. Pediatric patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 20 to 5 mL/min.) may be given 10 percent of the normal daily dose every 24 hours. All dosage recommendations apply after an initial loading dose.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION IS CONTRAINDICATED IN PATIENTS WITH KNOWN ALLERGY TO THE CEPHALOSPORIN GROUP OF ANTIBIOTICS.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following reactions have been reported:
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, oral candidiasis (oral thrush), vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, anorexia, and pseudomembranous colitis. Onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibiotic treatment (see WARNINGS ). Nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely.
Allergic: Anaphylaxis, eosinophilia, itching, drug fever, skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Hematologic: Neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocythemia.
Hepatic: Transient rise in SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase levels has been observed. As with other cephalosporins, reports of hepatitis have been received.
Renal: As with other cephalosporins, reports of increased BUN and creatinine levels, as well as renal failure, have been received.
Local Reactions: Rare instances of phlebitis have been reported at site of injection. Pain at the site of injection after intramuscular administration has occurred infrequently. Some induration has occurred.
Other Reactions: Genital and anal pruritus (including vulvar pruritus, genital moniliasis, and vaginitis).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
Probenecid may decrease renal tubular secretion of cephalosporins when used concurrently, resulting in increased and more prolonged cephalosporin blood levels.
DESCRIPTION
Cefazolin for injection, USP is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin for parenteral administration. It is the sodium salt of (6R, 7R)-3-[[(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio]methyl]-8-oxo-7-[2-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)acetamido]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid.
Structural Formula:
Molecular Formula: C 14 H 13 N 8 NaO 4 S 3
Molecular Weight: 476.5
The sodium content is 24 mg (1.05 mEq) per 500 mg of cefazolin sodium and 48 mg (2.1 mEq) per 1 gram of cefazolin sodium. Cefazolin for Injection, USP is a sterile, white to yellowish powder.
Cefazolin for injection, USP is supplied in vials equivalent to 500 mg of cefazolin or to 1 gram of cefazolin.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
After intramuscular administration of cefazolin for injection to normal volunteers, the mean serum concentrations were 37 mcg/mL at 1 hour and 3 mcg/mL at 8 hours following a 500-mg dose, and 64 mcg/mL at 1 hour and 7 mcg/mL at 8 hours following a 1-gram dose.
Studies have shown that following intravenous administration of cefazolin for injection to normal volunteers, mean serum concentrations peaked at approximately 185 mcg/mL and were approximately 4 mcg/mL at 8 hours for a 1-gram dose.
The serum half-life for cefazolin is approximately 1.8 hours following intravenous administration and approximately 2 hours following intramuscular administration.
In a study (using normal volunteers) of constant intravenous infusion with dosages of 3.5 mg/kg for one hour (approximately 250 mg) and 1.5 mg/kg the next 2 hours (approximately 100 mg), cefazolin produced a steady serum level at the third hour of approximately 28 mcg/mL.
Studies in patients hospitalized with infections indicate that cefazolin produces mean peak serum levels approximately equivalent to those seen in normal volunteers.
Bile levels in patients without obstructive biliary disease can reach or exceed serum levels by up to five times; however, in patients with obstructive biliary disease, bile levels of cefazolin are considerably lower than serum levels (< 1 mcg/mL).
In synovial fluid, the level of cefazolin becomes comparable to that reached in serum at about 4 hours after drug administration.
Studies of cord blood show prompt transfer of cefazolin across the placenta. Cefazolin is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers.
Cefazolin is excreted unchanged in the urine. In the first 6 hours approximately 60% of the drug is excreted in the urine and this increases to 70% to 80% within 24 hours. Cefazolin achieves peak urine concentrations of approximately 2,400 mcg/mL and 4,000 mcg/mL, respectively following 500-mg and 1-gram intramuscular doses.
In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (2L/hour.), cefazolin produced mean serum levels of approximately 10 and 30 mcg/mL after 24 hours’ instillation of a dialyzing solution containing 50 mg/L and 150 mg/L, respectively. Mean peak levels were 29 mcg/mL (range 13 to 44 mcg/mL) with 50 mg/L (3 patients), and 72 mcg/mL (range 26 to 142 mcg/mL) with 150 mg/L (6 patients). Intraperitoneal administration of cefazolin for injection is usually well tolerated.
Controlled studies on adult normal volunteers, receiving 1 gram 4 times a day for 10 days, monitoring CBC, SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, BUN, creatinine, and urinalysis, indicated no clinically significant changes attributed to cefazolin.
Microbiology
Mechanism of Action
Cefazolin is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Resistance
Predominant mechanisms of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins include the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and enzymatic hydrolysis.
Antimicrobial Activity
Cefazolin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE (1) section.
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are uniformly resistant to cefazolin.
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Escherichia coli
Proteus mirabilis
Most isolates of indole positive Proteus (Proteus vulgaris), Enterobacter spp., Morganella morganii, Providencia rettgeri, Serratia spp., and Pseudomonas spp. are resistant to cefazolin.
Susceptibility Testing
For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.
HOW SUPPLIED
Each vial of Cefazolin for Injection, USP contains cefazolin sodium equivalent to 500 mg or 1 gram cefazolin.
NDC 0781-3450-95, 500 mg, carton of 10 vials
NDC 0781-3451-96, 1 gram, carton of 25 vials
NDC 0781-3451-95, 1 gram, carton of 10 vials
As with other cephalosporins, Cefazolin for Injection, USP tends to darken depending on storage conditions; within the stated recommendations, however product potency is not adversely affected.
Before reconstitution protect from light and store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
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Revised: February 2025
46370476
Manufactured by Sandoz GmbH for
Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540
