Kefzol

Generic Name: cefazolin (sef A zoe lin)

Brand Names: Ancef, Kefzol

What is Kefzol (cefazolin)?

Cefazolin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefazolin injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefazolin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Kefzol (cefazolin)?

Do not use cefazolin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin without first talking to your doctor.

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are also using probenecid (Benemid).

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using Kefzol (cefazolin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cefazolin, any type of penicillin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

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  cefaclor (Raniclor);

  
  


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  cefadroxil (Duricef);

  
  


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  cefdinir (Omnicef);

  
  


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  cefditoren (Spectracef);

  
  


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  cefpodoxime (Vantin);

  
  


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  cefprozil (Cefzil);

  
  


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  ceftibuten (Cedax);

  
  


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  cefuroxime (Ceftin);

  
  


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  cephalexin (Keflex); or

  
  


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  cephradine (Velosef).

  
  

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  liver disease; or

  
  


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  a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cefazolin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Kefzol (cefazolin)?

Cefazolin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a muscle or a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

You may need to mix cefazolin with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Do not mix this medicine or draw your cefazolin dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefazolin.

Store unopened cefazolin vials at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. After mixing cefazolin with a diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within 10 days. Do not freeze. Do not use the mixed medication if it has any particles in it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a cefazolin overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using Kefzol (cefazolin)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Kefzol (cefazolin) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  
  


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  skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


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  easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

  
  


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  fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

  
  


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  seizure (black-out or convulsions).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  pain, swelling, skin rash, or a hard lump where the injection was given;

  
  


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  stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

  
  


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  skin rash or itching;

  
  


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  white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or

  
  


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  vaginal itching or discharge.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Kefzol (cefazolin)?

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are also using probenecid (Benemid).

There may be other drugs that can interact with cefazolin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Kefzol resources

• Kefzol Side Effects (in more detail)
• Kefzol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Kefzol Drug Interactions
• Kefzol Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Kefzol - Add your own review/rating

• Ancef Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Ancef Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Ancef Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cefazolin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cefazolin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Kefzol with other medications

• Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention
• Bacterial Infection
• Bone infection
• Cholecystitis
• Endocarditis
• Joint Infection
• Kidney Infections
• Peritonitis
• Pneumonia
• Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease
• Septicemia
• Skin Infection
• Surgical Prophylaxis
• Urinary Tract Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefazolin.

See also: Kefzol side effects (in more detail)