Cefazolin
Mechanism :
It is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is active against s. aureus, streptococcus, E.coli, Proteus and Klebsiella. It acts by inhibiting the cell wall synthesis of the bacteria. It is available in the injectable form and used in the treatment of skin, soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections and bone infections.
Indication :
- Infection with gram-positive cocci (MSSA)
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia
- Bacterial endocarditis
Contraindications :
Documented hypersensitivity.
Dosing :
Infections with gram-positive cocci:
Neonates (<28 days):
<7 days: 40 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 12 hourly.
>7 days: 60 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 8 hourly.
Infants & children:
25-150 mg/kg/day IV/IM divided every 6-8 hourly; do not exceed 6 g/day.
Endocarditis prophylaxis:
50 mg/kg IV/IM <30-60 minutes before procedure; do not exceed 1 g.
Adverse Effect :
Anorexia, diarrhea, eosinophilia, fever, increased transaminases, leukopenia, nausea and vomiting, neutropenia, oral candidiasis, pain at injection site, phlebitis, pseudomembranous colitis, seizure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, transient elevation of hepatic enzymes.
Interaction :
Bivalirudin, Bemiparin, Fondaparinux, Heparin, Lepirudin, Phenindione: Cefazolin increases the effects of all these drugs by pharmacodynamic synergism.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.