Generic Name: Cefazolin

Brand Name: Ancef

Classification: Therapeutic: Anti-infective
Action:
Bind to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing cell death.
Active against many gram-positive cocci including: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group A beta-hemolytic
streptococci; Penicillinas-producing staphylococci.
Indications:
Treatment of:
Skin & skin structure infections; pneumonia; urinary tract infections; bone & joint infections
Dosage:
Adult:
Pneumococcal pneumonia: 500mg every 12 hours. Mild infections: 250500mg every 8 hours; moderate to severe
infections: 500mg1g every 68 hours. Severe, life-threatening infections (eg, endocarditis, septicemia): 11.5g
every 6 hours; max 12g/day. UTIs: 1g every 12 hours. Prophylaxis: see literature. Renal impairment (give initial
loading dose): (CrCl 3554mL/min): reduce dosing frequency to at least 8 hour intervals; (CrCl 1134mL/min):

reduce dose by 50%, give every 12 hours; (CrCl <10mL/min): reduce dose by 50%, give every 1824 hours.
Peritoneal dialysis: see literature.
Children:
<1 month: not recommended. 1 month: Mild to moderately severe infections: 2550mg/kg per day in 34
divided doses. Severe infections: max 100mg/kg per day. Renal impairment (give initial loading dose): (CrCl 40
70mL/min): reduce dose by 40%; give every 12 hours; (CrCl 2040mL/min): reduce dose by 75%, give every 12
hours; (CrCl 520mL/min): reduce dose by 90%, give every 24 hours.
Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity to cephalosphorins. Serious hypersensitivity to penicillin.
Use Cautiously in:
Renal impair- ment
History of GI disease, especially colitis
Geriatric patients (consider age-related decrease in body mass, renal/hepatic/ cardiac function, concurrent
medications and chronic disease states)
Pregnancy or Lactation

Side Effects / Adverse Reactions:

CNS:
Seizures (high doses)
GI:
Pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, nausea,
vomiting, cramps
GU:
Interstitial nephritis
DERM:
Rashes, urticaria

HEMAT:
Blood dyscrasias, hemolytic anemia
LOCAL:
Pain at IM site, phlebitis at IV site
MISC:
Allergic reactions including Anaphylaxis and Serum
sickness, superinfection

Nursing Responsibilities:
Assess patient for infection (vital signs; appearance of surgical site, urine; WBC) at beginning and during
therapy.
Before initiating therapy, obtain a history to determine previous use of and reactions to penicillin or
cephalosphorins. Persons with a negative history of penicillin sensitivity may still have an allergic response.
Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before initiating therapy.
Observe patient for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (rash, pruritis, laryngeal edema, wheezing). Discontinue
drug and notify physician or other health care professional immediately if these problems occur. Keep
epinephrine, an antihistamine, and resuscitation equipment close by in case of anaphylactic reaction.
Monitor site for thrombophlebitis (pain, redness, and swelling). Change sites every 48-72 hr to prevent phlebitis.
Instruct patient to report signs of super infection (furry overgrowth on the tongue, vaginal itching or discharge,
loose or foul-smelling stools) and allergy.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional if fever and diarrhea develop, especially if diarrhea contains
blood, mucus, or pus. Advise not to treat diarrhea without consulting healthcare professional.
Bibliography:
http://www.empr.com/cefazolin/drug/1751/

http://www.nursing-nurse.com/drug-study-cefazolin-ancef-172/