Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It works by binding to bacterial cell walls and causing cell death. The typical therapeutic dose for adults is 500 mg to 2 g intravenously or intramuscularly every 6-8 hours, up to a maximum of 12 g per day. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Major adverse reactions include seizures at high doses and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Nurses should monitor patients for signs of infection resolution and adverse drug reactions.

1. DRUG: cefazolin NAME: Jiyoung Shin
NAME OF ACTION OF DRUG THERAPEUTIC COMMON OR DRUG NURSING EVALUATION:
MEDICATION (cellular action) DOSE/ROUTE MINOR SIDE INTERACTIONS CONSIDERATIONS
FREQUENCY & EFFECTS
ROUTE

2. GENERIC Binds to bacterial cell IM, IV (Adults): diarrhea, nausea, Probenecid ↓ excretion -Assess for infection Resolution of signs
cefazolin wall membrane, Moderate-to-severe vomiting, cramps. and ↑ blood levels of (vital signs; appearance and symptoms of
causing cell death. infections—500 mg- Derm: rash, pruritis, renally excreted of wound, sputum, infection. Length of
TRADE -Bactericidal action
2 g every 6–8 hr; urticaria. Hemat: cephalosporins urine, and stool; WBC) time for complete
maximum 12 g/day
Ancef -Active against many leukopenia, at beginning of and resolution depends on
gram-positive cocci neutropenia, throughout therapy. the organism and site
IM, IV
including: thrombocytopenia. -Before initiating of infection.
(Children and Infants
Streptococcus >1 mo): 50–100 Local: pain at IM therapy, obtain a history Decreased incidence
pneumoniae, Group A mg/kg/day divided site, phlebitis at IV to determine previous of infection when used
beta-hemolytic every 8 hr; site. Misc: allergic use of and reactions to for prophylaxis.
streptococci, maximum: 6 g/day reactions including penicillins or
Penicillinase- anaphylaxis and cephalosporins.
producing serum sickness, -Obtain specimens for
staphylococci. superinfection. culture and sensitivity
- Not active against: before initiating therapy.
Methicillin-resistant -Observe patient for
staphylococci, signs and symptoms of Reference:
Bacteroides fragilis, anaphylaxis (rash,
Enterococcus. pruritus, laryngeal Judith Hopfer Deglin,
CLASSIFICATION USE OF DRUG PHARMACOKINETIC MAJOR PATIENT edema, wheezing). april Hazard vallerand,
(Purpose-Disease) S ADVERSE EDUCATION --Discontinue drug and Cynthia A. sanoski,
REACTIONS notify health care Davis’s Drug Guide
professional for Nurses , Twelfth

3. Pharmacologic Treatment of the Absorption: CNS: SEIZURES -Advise patient to report immediately if these Edition, F.A. Davis
(Chemical) following infections Well absorbed after IM (HIGH DOSES). GI: signs of superinfection problems occur. Company
due to susceptible administration. PSEUDOMEMBRA (furry overgrowth on the -Monitor bowel function.
first-generation organisms: Skin and Distribution: NOUS COLITIS, tongue, vaginal itching or Diarrhea, abdominal
cephalosporins skin structure Widely distributed. STEVENS- discharge, loose or foul- cramping, fever, and
infections (including Penetrates bone and JOHNSON smelling stools) and bloody , a sign of
Therapeutic burn wounds), synovial fluid well. SYNDROME, allergy. pseudomembranous
(Functional) Pneumonia, Urinary Crosses the placenta and -Instruct patient to notify colitis.
tract infections, Biliary enters breast milk in low health care professional if
anti-infectives tract infections, concentrations. Minimal fever and diarrhea
Genital infections, CSF penetration. develop, especially if
Bone and joint Protein Binding: 74— diarrhea contains blood,
infections, Septicemia, 86%. mucus, or pus.
Bacterial endocarditis -Advise patient not to treat
prophylaxis for dental Metabolism/Excretion diarrhea without
and upper respiratory : consulting health care
procedures. Excreted almost entirely professional.
Perioperative unchanged by the
prophylaxis. Not kidneys
suitable for the
treatment of
meningitis.