CeFAZolin

Disclaimer to the Online Edition

This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.

CeFAZolin

Indication

  • A first-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin used in the treatment of susceptible infections of the respiratory tract, skin, urinary tract, bone, joints and blood
  • Susceptible bacteria usually include Gram-positive cocci (S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, group B Streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae)
  • CeFAZolin has limited activity against Gram-negative organisms
  • The following organisms are RESISTANT: Enterococci, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacteroides fragilis, Enterobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas and Serratia
  • Surgical prophylaxis

Dosage Guidelines

Weight

Postnatal Age

Dose

 

Less than or equal to 2 kg

0 to 28 days

25 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q12 hours

Greater than 28 days

35-50 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q8 hours

 

Greater than 2 kg

0 to 7 days

25 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q12 hours

8 to 28 days

25 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q8 hours

Greater than 28 days

35–50 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q8 hours

Surgical Prophylaxis - 30 mg/kg/dose IV ONCE 30-60 minutes before procedure

Administration

  • IV intermittent slow infusion over 30 minutes

How to make 20 mL of a 50 mg/mL solution:

  1. Reconstitution: add 9.5 mL sterile water for injection to 1 g vial (concentration = 100 mg/mL)
  2. Draw up 10 mL of the 100 mg/mL reconstituted solution
  3. Add to 10 mL normal saline to make a total volume of 20 mL (Final concentration = 50 mg/mL)
  • IV direct given slowly over 3-5 minutes – use 100 mg/mL concentration
  • IM – (if no IV available) Use 100 mg/mL concentration

Adverse Effects

  • Adverse effects are rare, but include phlebitis, eosinophilia and transient elevation of liver enzymes

Comments

  • Does not penetrate into the CNS
  • Consult pharmacist for dosing in renal impairment

Supplied As

  • 1g vial
  • 50 mg/mL patient specific syringe, prepared by Pharmacy.