Antimicrobials
Cefazolin

Cefazolin

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

Surgical prophylaxis

  • 25 mg/kg slow IV 30-60 minutes prior to surgery and re-dosed every 90-120 minutes during surgery

Treatment

  • 25 mg/kg IV/IM/SC q6-8h
    • Higher doses (35 mg/kg) can be used if necessary
  • CRI: 1.3 mg/kg slow IV, then 1.2 mg/kg/h IV

Surgical prophylaxis 

  • 25 mg/kg slow IV 30-60 minutes prior to surgery and re-dosed every 90-120 minutes during surgery

Treatment:

  • 25 mg/kg IV/IM/SC q6-8h
    • Higher doses (35 mg/kg) can be used if necessary
  • CRI: 1.3 mg/kg slow IV, then 1.2 mg/kg/h IV

CLSI breakpoints for Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and E. coli based on 25 mg/kg IV q6h

Most often used for surgical prophylaxis but can be used when a parenteral 1st generation cephalosporin is indicated, such as in selected skin and soft tissue and urinary tract infections.

  • Time-dependent
  • Must be given parenterally; not properly absorbed with oral administration
  • Excreted unchanged in urine
  • Elimination half-life may be prolonged in patients with poor renal function
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Neurotoxicity with high doses
  • Use in small mammals may cause antibiotic-induced enterocolitis
  • Patients with renal insufficiency need dosage adjustments

Use caution when administering with:

  • Nephrotoxic drugs
  • Probenecid
  • Vitamin K antagonists

No approved veterinary products in Canada.

  • Giguère S, Prescott JF, Dowling PM, Eds. Antimicrobial Therapy in Veterinary Medicine. 5th ed. Wiley Blackwell; 2013.
  • Plumb DC. Cefazolin. Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs. Updated June 2019.