Cefazolin is an antibiotic that is used in adults and children at least 1 month old to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, bone and joints, urinary tract, skin, genitals, and gallbladder, including those that are severe or life-threatening such as heart or blood bacterial infections.

Cefazolin is sometimes given before and after surgery to prevent infections in adults and children at least 10 years old.

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

Cefazolin can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cefazolin or similar medicines such as:

• cefuroxime, cefdinir, cefepime, ceftriaxone, cephalexin, and others;
• amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), ampicillin, penicillin, and others; or
• meropenem, imipenem and cilastatin, ertapenem, and others.

You may not be able to use cefazolin if you have:

• diabetes;
• an allergy to dextrose-containing products; or
• an allergy to corn.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• seizures;
• bleeding problems; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use Kefzol (Injectable) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregivers if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• a seizure;
• liver problems--upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache;
• rash, itching;
• an allergic reaction; or
• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected.

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.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.