What is CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION?

CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION 1 G contains CEFAZOLIN (CEFAZOLIN SODIUM) : 1 G. It is listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database under DIN 02437112, held by HIKMA CANADA LIMITED, supplied as POWDER FOR SOLUTION for INTRAVENOUS ; INTRAMUSCULAR administration. Health Canada currently lists it as marketed, status dated 21-Dec-2023. Nexara Health is a licensed Canadian wholesale distributor (DEL 3-002896-A) and can source this product for hospitals, pharmacies and clinics. Availability and lead time are confirmed per order.

What is CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION used for?

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-haemolytic streptococci. URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and some strains of enterobacter, and enterococci. SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin- resistant), group A beta-haemolytic 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. ENDOCARDITIS caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant) and group A beta haemolytic streptococci. Perioperative Prophylaxis: In patients undergoing potentially contaminated surgical procedures, and in patients in whom infection would pose a serious risk (e.g., during open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative administration of Cefazolin for Injection may reduce the incidence of certain post-operative infections.

Authorized indication as written in the Health Canada product monograph. For healthcare professionals and licensed purchasers; this is not medical advice.

How is it administered?

After reconstitution Cefazolin for Injection may be administered either intramuscularly or intravenously. In both cases total daily dosages are the same. ADULTS: Mild infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive cocci: 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours. Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections*: 1 g every 12 hours. Moderate to severe infections: 500 mg to 1 g every 6 to 8 hours. *This dosage recommendation applies to intramuscular use. The efficacy of cefazolin sodium when administered intravenously at 12-hour intervals has not been established. Cefazolin sodium has been administered in dosages of 6 g per day in serious infections such as endocarditis. Treatment should be continued for at least 10 days in beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections to minimize possible complications associated with the disease. Dosage in Patients with Reduced Renal Function: After an initial loading dose appropriate to the severity of the infection, the following reduced dosage schedule is recommended: Creatinine Clearance (mL/s) ≤ 0.91 (Serum Creatinine (mMol/L) ≥ 140): 250 mg to 1 g every 6-12 hours. Creatinine Clearance (mL/s) 0.58-0.9 (Serum Creatinine (mMol/L) 141-273): 250 mg to 1 g every 8-12 hours. Creatinine Clearance (mL/s) 0.18-0.57 (Serum Creatinine (mMol/L) 274-406): 125 mg to 500 mg every 12 hours. Creatinine Clearance (mL/s) ≤ 0.17 (Serum Creatinine (mMol/L) ≥ 407): 125 mg to 500 mg every 18 hours. Perioperative Prophylactic Use: a. One gram intravenously or intramuscularly administered ½ hour to 1 hour prior to the start of surgery. b. For lengthy operative procedures (e.g., 2 hours or more) 0.5 g -1 g administered intravenously or intramuscularly during surgery. c. Postoperatively, 0.5 gram - 1 gram intravenously or intramuscularly every 6 to 8 hours for 24 hours postoperatively. May be continued for 3 to 5 days following completion of surgery. Pediatric Use: A total daily dosage of 25 mg to 50 mg per kg (approximately 10 mg to 20 mg per pound) of body weight, divided into three or four equal doses, is effective for most mild to moderately severe infections in children. For severe infections total daily dosage maybe increased to 100 mg per kg (45 mg per pound) of body weight. Children with mild to moderate renal impairment (Ccr 0.67-1.17 mL/s): Treatment with 60 percent of the normal daily dose in divided doses every 12 hours. Children with moderate to severe renal impairment (Ccr 0.33- 0.87 mL/s): 25 percent of the normal daily dose in equally divided doses every 12 hours. Children with severe renal impairment (Ccr 0.08-0.33 mL/s): 10 percent of the normal daily dose every 24 hours. All dosage recommendations apply after an initial loading dose.

Included because it drives pack selection and wastage. Consult the monograph.

Contraindications

Cefazolin for Injection is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation, including any non-medicinal ingredient, or component of the container.

Warnings and precautions

Cefazolin for Injection should be used with caution in penicillin-allergic patients. There is clinical evidence of partial cross-allergenicity of the penicillins and the cephalosporins. There are instances of patients who have had reactions to both penicillins and cephalosporins (including fatal anaphylaxis after parenteral use). Clinical and laboratory evidence of partial cross-allergenicity of the two drug classes exists. Cefazolin for Injection should be administered cautiously and then only when absolutely necessary to any patient who has demonstrated allergy, particularly to drugs. Immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine is indicated for serious anaphylactoid reactions. As indicated, oxygen, intravenous steroids, and airway management, including intubation, should also be employed. In beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections, treatment should be continued for at least 10 days, to minimize possible complications associated with the disease. The overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms may result from the prolonged use of Cefazolin for Injection. It is essential that the patient be carefully observed. Prescribing Cefazolin for Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and risks the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in association with beta-lactam treatment. When SCAR is suspected, Cefazolin for Injection, USP should be discontinued and appropriate therapy and/or measures should be taken. Seizures may occur with the administration of Cefazolin for Injection, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage is not reduced appropriately. Discontinue Cefazolin for Injection if seizures occur or make appropriate dosage adjustments in patients with renal impairment. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known Seizure disorders.