# Cefazolin

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DRUG INFORMATION

  ADULT
    - Site and Type of Infection Dose Frequency Moderate to severe infections 500 mg to
      1 gram every 6 to 8 hours Mild infections caused by susceptible gram-positive
      cocci 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections
      1 gram every 12 hours Pneumococcal pneumonia 500 mg every 12 hours Severe, life-
      threatening infections (e.g., endocarditis, septicemia) In rare instances, doses
      of up to 12 grams of cefazolin per day have been used.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - For lengthy operative procedures (e.g., 2 hours or more), 500 mg to 1 gram IV or
      IM during surgery (administration modified depending on the duration of the
      operative procedure). 500 mg to 1 gram IV or IM every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours
      postoperatively.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Total daily dosage may be increased to 100 mg per kg (45 mg per pound) of body
      weight for severe infections.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  CHILD
    - Safety and effectiveness for use in premature infants and neonates have not been
      established. See Dosage and Administration (2.4) for recommended dosage in
      pediatric patients older than 1 month.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'pediatric use', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - Table 2: Dosage Adjustment for Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance
      Dose Frequency 55 mL/min. or greater full dose normal frequency 35 to 54 mL/min.
      full dose every 8 hours or longer 11 to 34 mL/min. 1/2 usual dose every 12 hours
      10 mL/min.
      Source: This line points to a numbered table that this card does not show - read
      that table in the label before you dose. US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin),
      section 'dosage and administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Pediatric Dosage Guide Weight 25 mg/kg/Day Divided into 3 Doses 25 mg/kg/Day
      Divided into 4 Doses Lbs Kg Approximate Single Dose mg/q8h Vol.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  RENAL IMPAIRMENT
    - ( 2 ) Recommended Dosing Schedule in Adult Patients with CrCl Greater Than or
      Equal to 55 mL/min.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Table 1: Recommended Dosing Schedule in Adult Patients with CrCl Greater Than or
      Equal to 55 mL/min.
      Source: This line points to a numbered table that this card does not show - read
      that table in the label before you dose. US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin),
      section 'dosage and administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating
      (e.g., open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic
      administration of cefazolin may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the
      completion of surgery. 2.3 Patients with Renal Impairment Cefazolin for Injection
      may be used in patients with reduced renal function with the following dosage
      adjustments outlined in Table 2 .
      Source: This line points to a numbered table that this card does not show - read
      that table in the label before you dose. US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin),
      section 'dosage and administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
    - No liver-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  PREGNANCY   [ CAUTION ]
    The label allows it only when the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk. Read the
      quote below.
    - Pregnancy Category B Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice and
      rabbits at doses up to 25 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of
      impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefazolin.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response,
      this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29

  BREASTFEEDING   [ CAUTION ]
    The label allows it only when the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk. Read the
      quote below.
    - Cefazolin for Injection is present in very low concentrations in the milk of
      nursing mothers.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Caution should be exercised when Cefazolin for Injection is administered to a
      nursing woman.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - The drug appears to have no adverse effect on the fetus. 8.3 Nursing Mothers
      Cefazolin for Injection is present in very low concentrations in the milk of
      nursing mothers.
      Source: US FDA label for cefazolin (Cefazolin), section 'use in specific
      populations', retrieved 2026-08-29
```

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