What is Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Cefazolin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefazolin injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefazolin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cefazolin, any type of penicillin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor)
• cefadroxil (Duricef)
• cefdinir (Omnicef)
• cefditoren (Spectracef)
• cefpodoxime (Vantin)
• cefprozil (Cefzil)
• ceftibuten (Cedax)
• cefuroxime (Ceftin)
• cephalexin (Keflex); or
• cephradine (Velosef)

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease; or
• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cefazolin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ancef Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• seizure (black-out or convulsions)

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain, swelling, skin rash, or a hard lump where the injection was given
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• skin rash or itching
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
• vaginal itching or discharge

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ancef Interactions

What other drugs affect Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Before using cefazolin, tell your doctor if you are also using probenecid (Benemid).

There may be other drugs that can interact with cefazolin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Ancef Dosage

How should I take Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Cefazolin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a muscle or a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

You may need to mix cefazolin with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Do not mix this medicine or draw your cefazolin dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefazolin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefazolin.

Store unopened cefazolin vials at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture.

After mixing cefazolin with a diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within 10 days. Do not freeze. Do not use the mixed medication if it has any particles in it.

What happens if I overdose on Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a cefazolin overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Ancef (Cefazolin)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.

Edited from everydayhealth.com