Escherichia coli (Gram Negative Bacillus - ICU)
Cefazolin

Cefazolin

Medium
N/A

General Information

Skin and soft tissue infection (e.g. cellulitis).

Surgical prophylaxis.

Susceptible Staphylococcal, Streptococcal and gram-negative infections.

Monitor renal function, coagulation and prothrombin time.

Common

  • Pruritus, rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Eosinophil count raised

Serious

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Clostridium difficile colitis
  • Leukopenia
  • Neutropenia
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Hepatitis
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Encephalopathy
  • Seizure

  • Renal failure

Probenecid - prolonged half-life. Drug interaction has been used therapeutically to give once daily cefazolin.

Not recommended unless no other alternatives.

Antimicrobial class: 1st Generation Cephalosporin

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 2 hours

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic

Precautions:

  • Use caution in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
  • Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, poor nutritional state, patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy.
  • Use caution in patients with hypersensitivity to penicillins.