Indication of Kefzol:
Cefazolin is used in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible organisms when oral treatment is not considered sufficient. These infections include: -respiratory tract infections, including the treatment of Streptococcal throat infections to prevent rheumatic fever -genitourinary tract infections-skin and skin structure infections-bone and joint infections-blood infection-heart valve infectionIn the treatment of any infection, it is important to isolate the bacteria and its antibacterial susceptibilities if possible before commencing treatment.
Action of Kefzol:
Cephazolin is an antibiotic from the cephalosporin family, known as a first generation cephalosporin. Cephazolin can kill a number of bacteria by inhibiting production of their cell walls. It is active against Streptococci and Staphylococci, including some of those resistant to penicillins. Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA), however, is resistant to Cephazolin as well as methicillin-type antibiotics. Cephazolin is also active against the well-known E. coli and some other bugs in its class.Cephazolin does not have activity against Pseudomonas, the virulent bug that can cause dangerous hospital infections.
Dose Advice of Kefzol:
Cefazolin is for intramuscular or intravenous injection or intravenous infusion. Intramuscular injection should be given into a large muscle mass. The powder should be reconstituted with water for injection, sodium chloride 0.9% or lignocaine 0.5% and shaken well until dissolved Adults-usual dose for mild gram positive infections is 250-500mg every eight hours-mild to moderate respiratory tract and genitourinary tract infections should be treated with 500mg-1g every 12 hours-moderate to severe infections may require 500mg-1g every 6-8 hours-serious infections such as endocarditis may need up to 6g/day in divided dosesRenal impairment-a loading dose of 500mg should be given in all patients, followed by a dosage regime calculated according to level of renal functionChildren-usual daily dosage of 25-50mg/kg in 3-4 divided doses is effective for most mild to moderate infections-severe infections may require an increase to 100mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses-children with renal impairment should have dosage adjustments made according to renal functionFor intravenous injection-reconstituted dose should be diluted in at least 10ml water for injection and injected slowly over 3-5 minutes-may be directly injected into the vein or through tubing if patient is receiving intravenous fluidsFor intravenous infusion-reconstituted dose can be mixed with 50ml water for injection and added to an intravenous bottle containing intravenous fluids
Schedule of Kefzol:
S4
Common side effects of Kefzol:
-diarrhoea-nausea-rash-pain and inflammation at injection site
Uncommon side effects of Kefzol:
-vomiting -headache-dizziness-oral and vaginal thrushAllergy to Cefazolin may rarely occur but the symptoms are important to know and should be alerted to your doctor: -rash-hives-swelling-trouble breathing-wheezing
