Cefazolin 500 mg
Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is applied for the treatment of many infections caused by different bacteria. It has activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as some Gram-negative organisms, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cefazolin stops the mixture of the bacterial cell wall, which leads to cell lysis and death.
Cefazolin is administered to veins or muscles in the surgical prophylaxis of infections during procedures, especially in orthopedic and cardiac surgeries. It is also used for skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections.
Cefazolin is generally well tolerated, and the side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and rarely nephrotoxicity. The spectrum of activity makes it a valuable drug in community and hospital settings. However, resistance can develop, so susceptibility testing should be performed to guide therapy. In general, cefazolin remains a cornerstone in the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections, especially in surgical settings.
How Does Cefazolin work?
Cefazolin is an antibiotic medicine. It helps to kill bacteria by stopping them from occurring in the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is essential for them to survive.
What is the Use of Cefazolin?
Cefazolin is applied in the treatment of bacterial infections. This medicine is applied before surgeries to prevent post-surgical bacterial infections.
If I have forgotten a dose, what should I do?
An applicant should use the missed dose as soon as possible but in case the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and return to the normal dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects:-
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
Precautions:-
- Your physician has prescribed Cefazolin to cure your infection and alleviate your symptoms.
- Never omit doses and complete the full treatment cycle even if the symptoms have reduced. If this medication is discontinued too early, it may result in the reoccurrence of the infection that could be tougher to treat.
- Discontinue Cefazolin immediately and seek advice from your doctor as soon as you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of the face and mouth, or experience trouble breathing.
- This diarrhea usually occurs as an added side effect. It should clear up once the course is done. Let your doctor know when it doesn’t stop or whenever you see traces of blood from your stools.
- Avoid alcohol while on Cefazolin since it will enhance the side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):-
Q. Can Cefazolin make me have diarrhea?
Yes, Cefazolin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic that kills the bad bacteria. However, it also kills the good bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If diarrhea keeps going, talk to your physician about it.
Q. What happens if Cefazolin doesn’t work?
Inform your doctor if you feel that Cefazolin doesn’t work for you. The doctor may up the dose of Cefazolin or even switch you over to a different one which might work.
Q. What if I don’t improve after taking Cefazolin?
Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after completing the full course of treatment. Moreover, inform your physician if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
