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What is the most important information I should know about cefazolin?

Do not use cefazolin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin without first talking to your doctor.

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are also using probenecid (Benemid).

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What is cefazolin?

Cefazolin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefazolin injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefazolin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using cefazolin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cefazolin, any type of penicillin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefixime (Suprax);

• cefotaxime (Claforan;

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftazidime (Fortaz);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cefazolin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.