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CEFAZOLIN

Cefazolin Sodium · Powder, for Solution

Prescription ANDA TE AP Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
CEFAZOLIN
Generic name
Cefazolin Sodium
Dosage form
Powder, for Solution
Route
Intramuscular
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
3
NDC product codes
3
Packages
3
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Cefazolin Sodium 1 g/3mL 1665050 View
Cefazolin Sodium 10 g/1 1665050 View
Cefazolin Sodium 500 mg/2.2mL 1665050 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Powder, for Solution
Route of administration
Intramuscular
Presentations
6

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Cephalosporin Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 41 members
Cephalosporins [CS] CS All 41 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
065303
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
October 22, 2008
Sponsor
ACS DOBFAR
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
2
Products approved under application 065303.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
065303-001 CEFAZOLIN SODIUM INJECTABLE CEFAZOLIN SODIUM Prescription AP
065303-002 CEFAZOLIN SODIUM INJECTABLE CEFAZOLIN SODIUM Prescription AP

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 065303.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved November 29, 2010 —
Original application 1 Approved October 22, 2008 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20230927). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20230927 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20200617

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE – NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

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: Due to E. coli, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella species, and some strains of enterobacter and enterococci. Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Due to S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, and other strains of streptococci. Biliary Tract Infections: Due to E. coli , various strains of streptococci, P. mirabilis , Klebsiella species, and S. aureus . Bone and Joint Infections: Due to S. aureus . Genital Infections: (i.e., prostatitis, epididymitis) due to E. coli , P. mirabilis , Klebsiella species, and some strains of enterococci. Septicemia: Due to S. pneumoniae, S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant), P. mirabilis , E. coli , and Klebsiella species. Endocarditis: Due to S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant) and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Perioperative Prophylaxis: The prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection, USP preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively may reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures which are classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated (e.g., vaginal hysterectomy, and cholecystectomy in high-risk patients such as those older than 70 years, with acute cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice, or common duct bile stones). The perioperative use of Cefazolin for Injection, USP may also be effective in surgical patients in whom infection at the operative site would present a serious risk (e.g., during open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty). The prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection, USP should usually be discontinued within a 24 hour period after the surgical procedure. In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating (e.g., open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection, USP may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the completion of surgery. If there are signs of infection, specimens for cultures should be obtained for the identification of the causative organism so that appropriate therapy may be instituted. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION . ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefazolin for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Cefazolin for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Usual Adult Dosage Type of Infection Dose Frequency Moderate to severe infections 500 mg to 1 gram every 6 to 8 hours Mild infections caused by susceptible gram-positive cocci 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections 1 gram every 12 hours Pneumococcal pneumonia 500 mg every 12 hours Severe, life-threatening infections (e.g., endocarditis, septicemia)* 1 gram to 1.5 grams every 6 hours * In rare instances, doses of up to 12 grams of Cefazolin for Injection per day have been used. Perioperative Prophylactic Use To prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery, recommended doses are: a. 1 gram I.V. or I.M. administered 1⁄2 hour to 1 hour prior to the start of surgery. b. For lengthy operative procedures (e.g., 2 hours or more), 500 mg to 1 gram I.V. or I.M. during surgery (administration modified depending on the duration of the operative procedure). c. 500 mg to 1 gram I.V. or I.M. every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours postoperatively. It is important that (1) the preoperative dose be given just prior (1/2 hour to 1 hour) to the start of surgery so that adequate antibiotic levels are present in the serum and tissues at the time of initial surgical incision; and (2) Cefazolin for Injection be administered, if necessary, at appropriate intervals during surgery to provide sufficient levels of the antibiotic at the anticipated moments of greatest exposure to infective organisms. In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating (e.g., open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the completion of surgery. Dosage Adjustment for Patients with Reduced Renal Function Cefazolin for Injection may be used in patients with reduced renal function with the following dosage adjustments: Patients with a creatinine clearance of 55 mL/min. or greater or a serum creatinine of 1.5 mg % or less can be given full doses. Patients with creatinine clearance rates of 35 to 54 mL/min. or serum creatinine of 1.6 to 3.0 mg % can also be given full doses but dosage should be restricted to at least 8 hour intervals. Patients with creatinine clearance rates of 11 to 34 mL/min. or serum creatinine of 3.1 to 4.5 mg % should be given 1/2 the usual dose every 12 hours. Patients with creatinine clearance rates of 10 mL/min. or less or serum creatinine of 4.6 mg % or greater should be given 1/2 the usual dose every 18 to 24 hours. All reduced dosage recommendations apply after an initial loading dose appropriate to the severity of the infection. Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY . Pediatric Dosage In pediatric patients, a total daily dosage of 25 to 50 mg per kg (approximately 10 to 20 mg per pound) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 equal doses, is effective for most mild to moderately severe infections. Total daily dosage may be increased to 100 mg per kg (45 mg per pound) of body weight for severe infections. Since safety for use in premature infants and in neonates has not been established, the use of Cefazolin for Injection in these patients is not recommended. Pediatric Dosage Guide Weight 25 mg/kg/day Divided into 3 Doses 25 mg/kg/day Divided into 4 Doses Lbs Kg Approximate Single Dose mg/q 8 h Vol. (mL) needed with dilution of 125 mg/mL Approximate Single Dose mg/q 6 h Vol. (mL) needed with dilution of 125 mg/mL 10 4.5 40 mg 0.35 mL 30 mg 0.25 mL 20 9 75 mg 0.6 mL 55 mg 0.45 mL 30 13.6 115 mg 0.9 mL 85 mg 0.7 mL 40 18.1 150 mg 1.2 mL 115 mg 0.9 mL 50 22.7 190 mg 1.5 mL 140 mg 1.1 mL Weight 50 mg/kg/day Divided into 3 Doses 50 mg/kg/day Divided into 4 Doses Lbs Kg Approximate Single Dose mg/q 8 h Vol. (mL) needed with dilution of 225 mg/mL Approximate Single Dose mg/q 6 h Vol. (mL) needed with dilution of 225 mg/mL 10 4.5 75 mg 0.35 mL 55 mg 0.25 mL 20 9 150 mg 0.7 mL 110 mg 0.5 mL 30 13.6 225 mg 1 mL …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

RECONSTITUTION: Preparation of Parenteral Solution Parenteral drug products should be SHAKEN WELL when reconstituted, and inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. If particulate matter is evident in reconstituted fluids, the drug solutions should be discarded. When reconstituted or diluted according to the instructions below, Cefazolin for Injection is stable for 24 hours at room temperature or for 10 days if stored under refrigeration (5°C or 41°F). Reconstituted solutions may range in color from pale yellow to yellow without a change in potency. CAUTION: NOT TO BE DISPENSED AS A UNIT. Directions for Proper Use of a Pharmacy Bulk Package a. The container closure may be penetrated only one time after reconstitution, utilizing a suitable sterile dispensing set which allows measured distribution of the contents. b. Use of this product is restricted to a suitable work area, such as a laminar flow hood. c. Once this container closure has been punctures, withdrawal of the contents should be completed without delay. If prompt fluid transfer cannot be accomplished, discard the contents no later than 4 HOURS after initial closure puncture. This time limit should begin with the introduction of solvent for diluent into the Pharmacy Bulk Package. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not add supplementary medication to Cefazolin for Injection, USP. Pharmacy Bulk Vials Add Sterile Water for Injection, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride Injection according to the table below. SHAKE WELL. Use promptly. (Discard vial within 4 hours after initial entry.) Vial Size Amount of Diluent Approximate Concentration Approximate Available Volume 10 grams 45 mL 1 gram/5 mL 51 mL 96 mL 1 gram/10 mL 102 mL 20 grams 87 mL 1 gram/5 mL 99 mL

Preparation of Parenteral Solution Parenteral drug products should be SHAKEN WELL when reconstituted, and inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. If particulate matter is evident in reconstituted fluids, the drug solutions should be discarded. When reconstituted or diluted according to the instructions below, Cefazolin for Injection is stable for 24 hours at room temperature or for 10 days if stored under refrigeration (5°C or 41°F). Reconstituted solutions may range in color from pale yellow to yellow without a change in potency. CAUTION: NOT TO BE DISPENSED AS A UNIT.

Directions for Proper Use of a Pharmacy Bulk Package a. The container closure may be penetrated only one time after reconstitution, utilizing a suitable sterile dispensing set which allows measured distribution of the contents. b. Use of this product is restricted to a suitable work area, such as a laminar flow hood. c. Once this container closure has been punctures, withdrawal of the contents should be completed without delay. If prompt fluid transfer cannot be accomplished, discard the contents no later than 4 HOURS after initial closure puncture. This time limit should begin with the introduction of solvent for diluent into the Pharmacy Bulk Package. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not add supplementary medication to Cefazolin for Injection, USP.

Pharmacy Bulk Vials Add Sterile Water for Injection, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride Injection according to the table below. SHAKE WELL. Use promptly. (Discard vial within 4 hours after initial entry.) Vial Size Amount of Diluent Approximate Concentration Approximate Available Volume 10 grams 45 mL 1 gram/5 mL 51 mL 96 mL 1 gram/10 mL 102 mL 20 grams 87 mL 1 gram/5 mL 99 mL

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS: CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION IS CONTRAINDICATED IN PATIENTS WITH KNOWN ALLERGY TO THE CEPHALOSPORIN GROUP OF ANTIBIOTICS.

WARNINGS: BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFAZOLIN, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. IF THIS PRODUCT IS GIVEN TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED BECAUSE CROSS-HYPERSENSITIVITY AMONG BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AND MAY OCCUR IN UP TO 10% OF PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN ALLERGY. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE TREATMENT WITH THE DRUG. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES, INCLUDING OXYGEN, IV FLUIDS, IV ANTIHISTAMINES, CORTICOSTEROIDS, PRESSOR AMINES, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, AS CLINICALLY INDICATED. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefazolin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is a primary cause of “antibiotic-associated colitis.” After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and treatment with an oral antibacterial drug clinically effective against C. difficile colitis.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The following reactions have been reported: Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, oral candidiasis (oral thrush), vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, anorexia, and pseudomembranous colitis. Onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibiotic treatment (see WARNINGS ). Nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely. Allergic: Anaphylaxis, eosinophilia, itching, drug fever, skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Hematologic: Neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocythemia. Hepatic: Transient rise in SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase levels has been observed. As with other cephalosporins, reports of hepatitis have been received. Renal: As with other cephalosporins, reports of increased BUN and creatinine levels, as well as renal failure, have been received. Local Reactions: Rare instances of phlebitis have been reported at site of injection. Pain at the site of injection after intramuscular administration has occurred infrequently. Some induration has occurred. Other Reactions: Genital and anal pruritus (including vulvar pruritus, genital moniliasis, and vaginitis). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov .

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Drug Interactions Probenecid may decrease renal tubular secretion of cephalosporins when used concurrently, resulting in increased and more prolonged cephalosporin blood levels.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION: Cefazolin for Injection, USP is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin for parenteral administration. It is the sodium salt of 3-{[(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio]-methyl}-8-oxo-7-[2-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)acetamido]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid. Structural Formula: The pH of the reconstituted solution is between 4 and 6. Cefazolin for Injection, USP is a white to cream sterile powder. The color of Cefazolin for Injection, USP solutions may range from pale yellow to yellow without a change in potency. Cefazolin for Injection, USP is supplied in 10 or 20 grams Pharmacy Bulk Packages. Each Pharmacy Bulk Package contains cefazolin sodium equivalent to 10 grams or 20 grams of cefazolin. The sodium content is approximately 48 mg (2.1 mEq) per gram of cefazolin sodium. It is to be administered by intravenous route. A Pharmacy Bulk Package is a container of a sterile preparation for parenteral use that contains many single doses. The contents of this pharmacy bulk package are intended for use by a pharmacy admixture service for addition to suitable parenteral fluids in the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , Directions for Proper Use of Pharmacy Bulk Package .) FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED. NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION. cefazolin

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED: Cefazolin for Injection, USP supplied as follows: Product Code Unit of Sale Strength Each 238B1 NDC 63323-238-61 Unit of 10 10 grams per Pharmacy Bulk Package NDC 63323-238-01 449B1 NDC 63323-449-61 Unit of 10 20 grams per Pharmacy Bulk Package NDC 63323-449-01 Cefazolin for Injection, USP, is supplied in 10 and 20 grams Pharmacy Bulk Package. Each Pharmacy Bulk Package contains cefazolin sodium equivalent to 10 or 20 grams of cefazolin and is packaged 10 per carton. Preservative Free. As with other cephalosporins, cefazolin tends to darken depending on storage conditions, within the stated recommendations. However, product potency is not adversely affected. Before reconstitution protect from light and store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
11,983
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CEFAZOLIN SODIUM. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
63323-236-10 63323-236 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-236-10) / 2.2 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-236-01) July 15, 2011
63323-237-10 63323-237 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-237-10) / 3 mL in 1 VIAL (63323-237-01) July 15, 2011
63323-238-61 63323-238 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63323-238-61) / 1 POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (63323-238-01) June 14, 2011
63323-236 63323-236 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC — July 15, 2011
63323-237 63323-237 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC — July 15, 2011
63323-238 63323-238 Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC — June 14, 2011

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.