Concept Map: Cefazolin
1. Generic & Trade Name
Generic Name: Cefazolin
Common Trade Names: Ancef®, Kefzol®
2. Classification
Pharmacologic Class: First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Therapeutic Class: Anti-infective, Antibiotic
3. Uses (Indications)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Septicemia
• Endocarditis
• Surgical prophylaxis
• Biliary tract infections
4. Routes & Standard Adult Dosages
IV: 1–2 g every 8 hours
IM: 250 mg–1 g every 6–8 hours
Surgical prophylaxis: 1 g IV 30–60 minutes before surgery
5. Mechanism of Action (Intended Effect)
Cefazolin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins
(PBPs). This weakens the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. It is
bactericidal.
6. Side Effects & Adverse Effects
Common Side Effects:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Injection-site pain
Serious Adverse Effects:
• Anaphylaxis
• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Seizures
• Superinfection
7. Nursing Considerations – Prior Assessment
• Assess allergy history to cephalosporins and penicillins
• Monitor temperature and WBC count
• Assess renal function
• Obtain culture and sensitivity before therapy
• Observe for signs of anaphylaxis
8. Nursing Considerations – Patient Teaching
• Complete the full course of antibiotics
• Report rash, breathing difficulty, or severe diarrhea immediately
• Maintain adequate hydration
• Avoid self-medication with OTC antidiarrheal drugs unless prescribed
9. Use in Special Populations
Pediatrics: Dose based on body weight.
Geriatrics: Monitor renal function closely.
Pregnancy: Generally considered safe.
Renal impairment: Dose adjustment required.
Hepatic impairment: Use cautiously.
10. Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to cefazolin or cephalosporins
• Severe penicillin allergy
• Previous severe cephalosporin reactions
11. Significant Laboratory Investigations
WBC: 4,500–11,000/mm³
Serum Creatinine: 0.6–1.3 mg/dL
BUN: 7–20 mg/dL
ALT: 7–56 U/L
AST: 10–40 U/L
12. Antidote
No specific antidote. Treatment is supportive, including IV fluids, airway management, and
hemodialysis in severe toxicity.
13. Herbal, Complementary & OTC Considerations
• Garlic, ginger, and ginkgo may increase bleeding risk.
• NSAIDs may increase risk of nephrotoxicity.
• Probiotics may help reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
References
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (2024). AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda,
MD: ASHP.
Deglin, J. H., Vallerand, A. H., & Sanoski, C. A. (2023). Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses (18th
ed.). F.A. Davis.
Lehne, R. A. (2022). Pharmacology for Nursing Care (11th ed.). Elsevier.
Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Deglin, J. H. (2023). Davis’s Canadian Drug Guide for
Nurses. F.A. Davis.