Cefazolin
First-Generation Cephalosporins
- Drug class
- First-Generation Cephalosporins
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Intravenous, Intramuscular, Parenteral
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 28
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 759
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Cefazolin is an antibiotic belonging to the first-generation cephalosporin drug class [1]. It is approved for treating serious infections caused by susceptible organisms [1]. These infections include respiratory tract infections caused by specific bacteria such as *S. pneumoniae*, *Klebsiella* species, *H. influenzae*, *S. aureus* (both penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [1]. The labeling notes that injectable benzathine penicillin is considered the preferred treatment for streptococcal infections, including prophylaxis for rheumatic fever [1].
In the past 12 months, there have been 759 adverse event reports associated with cefazolin [2]. The most frequently reported adverse events include anaphylactic reaction, drug ineffective, hypotension, and rash [2]. Some reports also mention off-label use [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 16 | May 22, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 8 | January 7, 2026 |
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 4 | April 28, 2026 |
CACanada· Health Canada
16 products
Uses
Cefazolin for Injection, USP (cefazolin for injection) is indicated in the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the listed organisms: RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant) and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and some strains of enterobacter and enterococci. See NOTE below. SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin- resistant), group A beta-hemolytic streptococci and other strains of streptococci.
BONE AND JOINT INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus. SEPTICEMIA caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
USUnited States· FDA
8 products
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Cefazolin for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of the following serious infections when due to susceptible organisms.
Respiratory Tract Infections:
Due to S. pneumoniae, Klebsiella species , H. influenzae, S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Injectable benzathine penicillin is considered the drug of choice in treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever.
Cefazolin for Injection, USP is effective in the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of Cefazolin for Injection, USP in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present.
Urinary Tract Infections:
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
4 products
Uses
Cefazolin is indicated for the treatment of the following infections caused by cefazolin-susceptible micro-organisms • Skin and soft tissue infections • Bone and joint infections Perioperative prophylaxis. g. colorectal surgery, a combination with an appropriate drug with activity against anaerobes is recommended.
The use of cefazolin should be limited to cases where parenteral treatment is needed. Susceptibility of causative organism to the treatment should be tested (if possible), although therapy may be initiated before the results are available.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Cefazolin. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 274. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]Health Canada (DPD) · 02237138 · revised March 22, 2025
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 00dd6da7-50a8-44… · revised January 7, 2026 [PDF]
- [3]MHRA (UK) · PL269280014 · revised June 27, 2025
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.