Cefazolin DTP

Vocabulary flashcards detailing the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, special clinical notes, and adult and paediatric dosing guidelines for cefazolin.

Pharmacology

A first-generation cefalosporin antibiotic that interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis, resulting in cell lysis and death.

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Metabolism

Excreted unchanged in the urine.

Indications

1. Open fracture of a long bone (i.e., femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius, ulna)

2. traumatic amputation of a long bone.

Contraindications

1. Allergy and/or Adverse Drug Reaction to cefalosporin antibiotics

2. Known immediate or severe hypersensitivity to penicillin- or carbapenem-based drugs.

Side effects

Pain and inflammation at the injection site.

Presentation

Vial (powder) containing 1g Cefazolin.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: variable

Duration: 6-8 hours

Half-life: 1.8 hours

Adult dose

IV: 2g administered as a slow push over 5 minutes as a single dose only.

Reconstitute 2g of cefazolin with 19ml of water for injection to achieve a final concentration of 2g/20ml

Paediatric dosages

>20kg (4 years): 50mg/kg (rounded up to the nearest 5kg) administered via slow push over 5 minutes, single dose only, total max dose 2g.

Reconstitute 2g of cefazolin with 19ml of water for injection to achieve a final concentration of 2g/20ml

<20kg (4 years): 50mg/kg (rounded up to the nearest 5kg) administered over a 5 minute slow push, single dose only, total max dose 1g.

Reconstitute 1g of cefazolin with 9.5ml of water for injection to achieve a final concentration of 1g/10ml