Cefazolin Sodium Drug Information
Generic name: CEFAZOLIN SODIUM
Uses of Cefazolin Sodium
Respiratory Tract Infections Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for
the treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved . Limitations of Use Injectable benzathine penicillin is considered the drug of choice in treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of cefazolin in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available.
Urinary Tract Infections Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for
the treatment of urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is
indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections due to S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and Streptococcus agalactiae in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved.
Biliary Tract Infections Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for
the treatment of biliary infections due to E. coli, various isolates of streptococci, P. mirabilis, and S. aureus in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved.
Bone and Joint Infections Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated
for the treatment of bone and joint infections due to S. aureus in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved.
Genital Infections Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the
treatment of genital infections due to E. coli, and P. mirabilis in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved.
Septicemia Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment
of septicemia due to S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, P. mirabilis, and E. coli in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved.
Endocarditis Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment
of endocarditis due to S. aureus and S. pyogenes in adults and pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved.
Perioperative Prophylaxis Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for perioperative
prophylaxis in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years old for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved . The perioperative use of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated in adult and pediatric (aged 10 to 17 years old) 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 and Dextrose 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). 1.10 Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose 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 & Administration of Cefazolin Sodium
| Moderate to severe infections | 500 milligram (mg) to 1 gram |
|---|---|
| Mild infections caused by susceptible gram-positive cocci | 250 mg to 500 mg |
| Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections | 1 gram |
| Pneumococcal pneumonia | 500 mg |
| Severe, life-threatening infections (e.g., endocarditis, septicemia) | 1 gram to 1.5 grams |
| Perioperative prophylaxis | less than 120 kg: 1 gram to 2 grams |
| greater than or equal to 120 kg: 3 grams | |
| 500 mg to 1 gram | additional dose during lengthy operative procedures |
| 500 mg to 1 gram | every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours postoperatively |
Side Effects of Cefazolin Sodium
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The following adverse reactions were reported from clinical trials: Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, oral candidiasis (oral thrush), mouth ulcers, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, epigastric pain, heartburn, flatus, anorexia and pseudomembranous colitis. Onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment . Allergic: Anaphylaxis, eosinophilia, urticaria, 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. Reports of hepatitis have been received.
Renal: Reports of increased BUN and creatinine levels, as well as renal failure, have been received. Local Reactions: Instances of phlebitis have been reported at site of injection. Some induration has occurred.
Other Reactions: Pruritus (including genital, vulvar and anal pruritus, genital moniliasis, and vaginitis). Dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, confusion, weakness, tiredness, hypotension, somnolence and headache. Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients for Perioperative Prophylaxis Two studies (Study 1: NCT 3231228 and Study 2: NCT 01904357) were conducted to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of a single 30-minute infusion of either 1 gram or 2 grams (based on weight) of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection for perioperative prophylaxis in pediatric patients. Study 1 was a multicenter, open-label, non-comparative, parallel group study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of a single 30-minute infusion of either 1 gram or 2 grams (based on weight) of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection for perioperative prophylaxis in 61 pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age.
Thirty-three subjects with a weight of at least 25 kg but less than 60 kg received a single-dose of 1 gram of cefazolin and 28 subjects with a weight of at least 60 kg received a single-dose of 2 grams of cefazolin. The mean age of the safety population was 14 years and ranged from 10 to 17 years. There were no adverse reactions leading to study discontinuation or deaths reported during the study.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions were nausea (14.8%), infusion site pain (6.6%), and headache (4.9%). Study 2 was a multicenter, non-comparative study that evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of a single 30-minute infusion of either 1 gram or 2 grams (based on weight) of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection for perioperative prophylaxis in 12 pediatric patients 10 to 12 years of age. Subjects weighing at least 25 kg to less than 50 kg received a single-dose of 1 gram of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection and subjects weighing at least 50 kg to less than 85 kg received a single-dose of 2 grams of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection. The safety findings in Study 2 in pediatric patients aged 10 to 12 years old were similar to those observed in adult patients and the pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years old in Study 1.
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of cefazolin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune system disorders: Serum sickness-like reaction Renal and urinary disorders: Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
Cephalosporin-class Adverse Reactions
In addition to the adverse reactions listed above that have been observed in patients treated with cefazolin, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibacterials: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, renal impairment, toxic nephropathy, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, a fall in prothrombin activity, hepatic impairment including cholestasis, and pancytopenia.
Warnings & Cautions for Cefazolin Sodium
Hypersensitivity Reactions to Cefazolin, Cephalosporins, Penicillins, or Other Beta-lactams Serious and occasionally
fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Before therapy with Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefazolin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or carbapenems. Exercise caution if this product is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients because cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs has been clearly documented and may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy.
If an allergic reaction to Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection occurs, discontinue the drug.
Seizures in Patients with Renal Impairment Seizures may occur with the administration
of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage is not reduced appropriately. Discontinue Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection if seizures occur or make appropriate dosage adjustments in patients with renal impairment . Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders.
Clostridioides difficile -associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported
with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefazolin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing isolates of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.
CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.
Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
Hypersensitivity to Dextrose-containing Products Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with
administration of dextrose-containing products. These reactions have been reported in patients receiving high concentrations of dextrose (i.e. 50% dextrose) 1. The reactions have also been reported when corn-derived dextrose solutions were administered to patients with or without a history of hypersensitivity to corn products. 2
Prothrombin Activity Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection may be associated with
a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.
Risk of Development of Drug-resistant Bacteria Prescribing Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose
Injection in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. As with other antimicrobials, prolonged use of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential.
Should superinfection occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Urinary Glucose
The administration of cefazolin may result in a false-positive reaction with glucose in the urine when using glucose tests based on Benedict’s copper reduction reaction that determine the amount of reducing substances like glucose in the urine. It is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase be used. Coombs’ Test Positive direct Coombs' tests have been reported during treatment with cefazolin.
In hematologic studies or in transfusion cross-matching procedures when antiglobulin tests are performed on the minor side or in Coombs' testing of newborns whose mothers have received cephalosporin antibacterial drugs before parturition, it should be recognized that a positive Coombs' test may be due to the drug.
Patients with Overt or Known Subclinical Diabetes Mellitus or Carbohydrate Intolerance As
with other dextrose-containing solutions, Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection should be prescribed with caution in patients with overt or known subclinical diabetes mellitus or carbohydrate intolerance for any reason.
Drug Interactions with Cefazolin Sodium
The renal excretion of cefazolin is inhibited by probenecid. Co-administration of probenecid with Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is not recommended. Probenecid: The renal excretion of cefazolin is inhibited by probenecid.
Co-administration of probenecid with cefazolin for injection is not recommended.
Pregnancy Safety for Cefazolin Sodium
Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published prospective cohort studies, case series and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use, including cefazolin, in pregnant women have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Cefazolin crosses the placenta. Animal reproduction studies with rats, mice and rabbits administered cefazolin during organogenesis at doses 1 to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) did not demonstrate adverse developmental outcomes.
In rats subcutaneously administered cefazolin prior to delivery and throughout lactation, there were no adverse effects on offspring at a dose approximately 2 times the MRHD (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from case-control studies and case reports over several decades have not identified an association with cephalosporin use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice and rabbits administered cefazolin during organogenesis at doses of 2000, 4000 and 240 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area comparison). There was no evidence of any adverse effects on embryofetal development due to cefazolin.
In a peri-postnatal study in rats, cefazolin administered subcutaneously up to 1200 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison) to pregnant dams prior to delivery and through lactation caused no adverse effects on offspring.
Pediatric Use of Cefazolin Sodium
Pediatric Use Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, biliary tract infections, bone and joint infections, genital infections, septicemia, and endocarditis in pediatric patients for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved, and for perioperative prophylaxis in pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years old . Safety and effectiveness of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection in premature infants and neonates have not been established and is not recommended for use in this age group of pediatric patients. Dosing for cefazolin in pediatric patients younger than one month old has not been established. Because of the limitations of the available strengths and administration requirements (i.e., administration of fractional doses is not recommended) of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection, and to avoid unintentional overdose, this product is not recommended for use if a dose of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection that does not equal 1 gram or 2 grams is required and an alternative formulation of cefazolin should be considered . The safety and effectiveness of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection for perioperative prophylaxis have been established in pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years old.
Use of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection in these age groups is supported by evidence from adults with additional safety and pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years old. Safety and pharmacokinetics were evaluated in two multicenter, non-comparative studies (Study 1 and Study 2). These studies were conducted to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of a single 30-minute infusion of either 1 gram or 2 grams (based on weight) of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection for perioperative prophylaxis in pediatric patients. Study 1 evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of 1 gram of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection in pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years old scheduled for surgery with a weight of at least 25 kg but less than 60 kg and, 2 grams in pediatric patients with a weight of at least 60 kg.
Study 2 evaluated 1 gram of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection in pediatric patients aged 10 to 12 years old scheduled for surgery with a weight of at least 25 kg but less than 50 kg and, 2 grams in pediatric patients with a weight of at least 50 kg to less than 85 kg . The safety and effectiveness of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection for perioperative prophylaxis have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 10 years old.
Contraindications for Cefazolin Sodium
Hypersensitivity to Cefazolin or the Cephalosporin Class of Antibacterial Drugs, Penicillins, or
Other Beta-lactams Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection is contraindicated in patients who have a history of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, serious skin reactions) to cefazolin or the cephalosporin class of antibacterial drugs, penicillins, or other beta-lactams .
Overdosage Information for Cefazolin Sodium
Accidental overdosage resulting in seizures may occur in patients with renal impairment who receive doses greater than the recommended dosage of Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection. If seizures associated with accidental overdosage occur, discontinue Cefazolin for Injection and Dextrose Injection and give supportive treatment.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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