Overview
Cefazolin is an antibiotic of the cephalosporin class. It is related to the penicillin drugs in how it kills bacteria, but cephalosporins have a much broader range of activity against bacteria than penicillins.
Cefazolin will prevent the bacteria from forming an adequate and protective cell wall. This results in instability and subsequent death of the bacteria.
Cefazolin is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
Brand Names and Other Names
This drug is registered for use in humans only.
Human formulations: Kefzol® (Lilly), Ancef® (SKF), Zolicef® (Apothecon) and various generic preparations
Veterinary formulations: None
Uses of Cefazolin
Cefazolin is used in both dogs and cats to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin infections, wound infections, bone infections, pneumonia and bladder infections.
Cephalexin is not effective against infections caused by parasites (intestinal worms), mites, viruses, or fungi.
Cefazolin is only available in injectable form and is typically administered in a hospital setting.
Precautions and Side Effects
While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, cefazolin can cause side effects in some animals.
Cefazolin should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
If a pet is already sensitive to allergy or vomiting from other cephalosporin drugs (cefadroxil) or penicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin), cross-reaction with cefazolin is possible.
Cefazolin may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with cefazolin. Such drugs include certain other antibiotics.
The most common side effect in animals is vomiting shortly after administration. It is usually not a sign of serious disease, but indicates that the pet is sensitive to this drug.
It is not unusual for some animals to develop diarrhea from orally administered antibiotics such as cefazolin. However, this has not been a common complaint with cefazolin.
How Cefazolin Is Supplied
Cefazolin is available in 250 mg, 500 mg and 1 gram injectable concentrations.
Dosing Information
Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.
The usual dose is 5 to 15 mg per pound (10 to 30 mg/kg) every 6 to 8 hours intramuscular or intravenous.
After receiving cefazolin, many pets are sent home with a prescription of an oral cephalosporin, such as cefadroxil or cephalexin.
The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.
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