ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

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. Some induration has occurred.Other Reactions: Genital and anal pruritus (including vulvar pruritus, genital moniliasis and vaginitis).To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-877-233-2001 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

Carcinogenesis/Mutagenesis. Mutagenicity studies and long-term studies in animals to determine the carcinogenic potential of Cefazolin for Injection have not been performed.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Studies have shown that following intravenous administration of Cefazolin for Injection to normal volunteers mean serum concentrations peaked at approximately 185 mcg/ mL and were approximately mcg/mL at hours for gram dose.The serum half-life for Cefazolin for Injection is approximately 1.8 hours following intravenous administration.In study (using normal volunteers) of constant intravenous infusion with dosages of 3.5 mg/kg for hour (approximately 250 mg) and 1.5 mg/kg the next hours (approximately 100 mg), Cefazolin for Injection produced steady serum level at the third hour of approximately 28 mcg/mL.Studies in patients hospitalized with infections indicate that Cefazolin for Injection produces mean peak serum levels approximately equivalent to those seen in normal volunteers. Bile levels in patients without obstructive biliary disease can reach or exceed serum levels by up to five times; however, in patients with obstructive biliary disease, bile levels of Cefazolin for Injection are considerably lower than serum levels (<1 mcg/mL).In synovial fluid, the level of Cefazolin for Injection becomes comparable to that reached in serum at about hours after drug administration. Studies of cord blood show prompt transfer of Cefazolin for Injection across the placenta. Cefazolin for Injection is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers.Cefazolin for Injection is excreted unchanged in the urine. In the first hours approximately 60% of the drug is excreted in the urine and this increases to 70% to 80% within 24 hours.In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (2 L/hr), Cefazolin for Injection produced mean serum levels of approximately 10 and 30 mcg/mL after 24 hours instillation of dialyzing solution containing 50 mg/L and 150 mg/L, respectively. Mean peak levels were 29 mcg/mL (range 13 to 44 mcg/mL) with 50 mg/L (3 patients), and 72 mcg/mL (range 26 to 142 mcg/mL) with 150 mg/L (6 patients). Intraperitoneal administration of Cefazolin for Injection is usually well tolerated.Controlled studies on adult normal volunteers, receiving gram times day for 10 days, monitoring CBC, SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, BUN, creatinine and urinalysis, indicated no clinically significant changes attributed to Cefazolin for Injection. Microbiology. Mechanism of Action. Cefazolin is bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.. Resistance. Predominant mechanisms of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins include the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and enzymatic hydrolysis.. AntimicrobialActivity. Cefazolin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE (1 section: Gram-positive Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus agalactiae Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus pyogenesMethicillin-resistant staphylococci are uniformly resistant to cefazolin. Gram-negative Bacteria: Escherichia coli Proteus mirabilisMost isolates of indole positive Proteus (Proteus vulgaris), Enterobacter spp., Morganella morganii, Providencia rettgeri, Serratia spp., and Pseudomonas spp. are resistant to cefazolin.. Susceptibility Test Methods. For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

CONTRAINDICATIONS. Cefazolin for Injection IS CONTRAINDICATED IN PATIENTS WITH KNOWN ALLERGY TO THE CEPHALOSPORIN GROUP OF ANTIBIOTICS.

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

DESCRIPTION. Cefazolin for Injection, USP is semi-synthetic cephalosporin for parenteral administration. It is the sodium salt of (6R, 7R)-3-[[(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)]thio]methyl]-8-oxo-7-[2(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)acetoamido]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid.The structural formula is as follows:Cefazolin for Injection, USP is white to cream sterile powder. The color of Cefazolin for Injection, USP solutions may range from pale yellow to yellow without change in potency.The pH ranges from 4.0 and 6.0 for solution containing 100 mg of cefazolin per mL.Cefazolin for Injection, USP is supplied in 10 or 20 grams Pharmacy Bulk Packages. Each Pharmacy Bulk Package contains Cefazolin Sodium, USP equivalent to 10 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 container of sterile preparation for intravenous use that contains many single doses. The contents are intended for use in pharmacy admixture service and are restricted to the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion. FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE.. Cef Chemical Structure.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Usual Adult Dosage. Type of Infection Dose Frequency Moderate to severe infections 500 mg to gram every to hours Mild infections caused by susceptible gram-positive cocci 250 mg to 500 mg every hours Acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections gram every 12 hours Pneumococcal pneumonia 500 mg every 12 hours Severe, life-threatening infections (e.g., endocarditis, septicemia)In rare instances, doses of up to 12 grams of Cefazolin for Injection per day have been used. gram to 1.5 grams every hours Perioperative Prophylactic Use. To prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery, recommended doses are:1 gram IV administered 1/2 hour to hour prior to the start of surgery.For lengthy operative procedures (e.g., hours or more), 500 mg to gram IV during surgery (administration modified depending on the duration of the operative procedure).500 mg to gram IV every to hours for 24 hours postoperatively.It is important that (1) the preoperative dose be given just (1/2 to hour) prior 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 to days following the completion of surgery.. gram IV administered 1/2 hour to hour prior to the start of surgery.. For lengthy operative procedures (e.g., hours or more), 500 mg to gram IV during surgery (administration modified depending on the duration of the operative procedure).. 500 mg to gram IV every to hours for 24 hours postoperatively.. 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 creatinine clearance of 55 mL/min or greater or 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 mg can also be given full doses but dosage should be restricted to at least 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, total daily dosage of 25 to 50 mg/kg (approximately 10 to 20 mg/lb) of body weight, divided into or equal doses, is effective for most mild to moderately severe infections. Total daily dosage may be increased to 100 mg/kg (45 mg/lb) 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.In pediatric patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 70 to 40 mL/min), 60% of the normal daily dose given in equally divided doses every 12 hours should be sufficient. In patients with moderate impairment (creatinine clearance of 40 to 20 mL/min), 25% of the normal daily dose given in equally divided doses every 12 hours should be adequate. Pediatric patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 20 to mL/min) may be given 10% of the normal daily dose every 24 hours. All dosage recommendations apply after an initial loading dose.. 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.Reconstituted solutions may range in color from pale yellow to yellow without change in potency.. Directions for Proper Use of Pharmacy Bulk Package. Not for direct infusion. This Pharmacy Bulk Package is for use in hospital pharmacy admixture service only in suitable work area, such as laminar flow hood. Using aseptic technique, the container closure may be penetrated only one time after reconstitution using suitable sterile dispensing set or transfer device that allows measured dispensing of the contents. Use of syringe and needle is not recommended as it may cause leakage. The withdrawal of container contents should be accomplished without delay. However, should this not be possible, maximum time of HOURS from initial closure entry is permitted to complete fluid transfer operations. This time limit should begin with the introduction of the solvent or diluent into the Pharmacy Bulk Package. DISCARD ANY UNUSED PORTION AFTER HOURS. Pharmacy Bulk PackageAdd Sterile Water for Injection, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride Injection according to the table below. SHAKE WELL. Use promptly. (Discard vial within hours after initial entry.) Pharmacy Bulk Package Size Amount of Diluent Appropriate Concentration Approximate Available Volume 10 grams 45 mL gram/5 mL 51 mL 96 mL gram/10 mL 102 mL ADMINISTRATION. Intravenous Administration. Intermittent or continuous infusion: Dilute reconstituted Cefazolin for Injection, USP in 50 to 100 mL of one of the following solutions:Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% or 10% Dextrose Injection, USP5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringers Injection, USP5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection, USPLactated Ringers Injection, USPInvert Sugar 5% or 10% in Sterile Water for InjectionRingers Injection, USP5% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USPWhen diluted according to the instructions above, cefazolin is stable for 24 hours at room temperature or for 10 days if stored under refrigeration (5oC or 41oF).Prior to administration parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration whenever solution and container permit.

DRUG & OR LABORATORY TEST INTERACTIONS SECTION.

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions. false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with Benedicts solution, Fehlings solution or with Clinitest(R) tablets, but not with enzyme-based tests such as Clinistix(R). Positive direct and indirect antiglobulin (Coombs) tests have occurred; these may also occur in neonates whose mothers received cephalosporins before delivery.

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

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

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

General. Prolonged use of Cefazolin for Injection may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful clinical observation of the patient is essential.When Cefazolin for Injection is administered to patients with low urinary output because of impaired renal function, lower daily dosage is required (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). As with other -lactam antibiotics, seizures may occur if inappropriately high doses are administered to patients with impaired renal function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).Cefazolin for Injection, as with all cephalosporins, should be prescribed with caution in individuals with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.Cephalosporins may be associated with fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous vitamin administered as indicated. Prescribing Cefazolin for Injection in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

Geriatric Use. Of the 920 subjects who received Cefazolin for Injection in clinical studies, 313 (34%) were 65 years and over, while 138 (15%) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function (see PRECAUTIONS, General and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

HOW SUPPLIED. Cefazolin for Injection, USP, is supplied in 10 grams Pharmacy Bulk Package vials. Each Pharmacy Bulk Package contains cefazolin sodium equivalent to 10 grams of cefazolin, as follows: Cefazolin for Injection, USP Vial Size Packaged NDC No. 10 grams 100 mL Carton of 10 vials 0143-9261-10 Also available as: Cefazolin for Injection, USP Vial Size Packaged NDC No. gram 10 mL Carton of 25 vials 0143-9262-25 Preservative Free.As with other cephalosporins, Cefazolin for Injection, USP 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 20o to 25oC (68o to 77oF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. This container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.. CLINITEST is registered trademark of Miles, Inc.CLINISTIX is registered trademark of Bayer Corporation.Manufactured by:HIKMA FARMACEUTICA (PORTUGAL) S.A.Estrada do Rio da Mo, no8, 8A and 8B Fervenca2705-906 Terrugem SNT PORTUGALDistributed by: WEST-WARDA HIKMA COMPANYEATONTOWN, NJ 07724 USANovaplus is registered trademark of Vizient, Inc. novaplus+ Issued: September 2018PIN457-NOV/2.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Cefazolin for Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of the following serious infections due to susceptible organisms:Respiratory Tract Infections: due to S. penumoniae, Klebsiella species, H. Influenzae, S. aureus (penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant) and group beta-hemolytic streptococci. Injectable benzathine penicillin is considered to be 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. 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 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 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 serious risk (e.g., during open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty). The prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection, USP should usually be discontinued within 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 to 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.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

Information for Patients. Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Cefazolin for Injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Cefazolin for Injection is prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment, and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Cefazolin for Injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

LABOR & DELIVERY SECTION.

Labor and Delivery. When cefazolin has been administered prior to caesarean section, drug levels in cord blood have been approximately one quarter to one third of maternal drug levels. The drug appears to have no adverse effect on the fetus.

MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION.

Mechanism of Action. Cefazolin is bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.

MICROBIOLOGY SECTION.

Microbiology. Mechanism of Action. Cefazolin is bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.. Resistance. Predominant mechanisms of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins include the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and enzymatic hydrolysis.. AntimicrobialActivity. Cefazolin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE (1 section: Gram-positive Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus agalactiae Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus pyogenesMethicillin-resistant staphylococci are uniformly resistant to cefazolin. Gram-negative Bacteria: Escherichia coli Proteus mirabilisMost isolates of indole positive Proteus (Proteus vulgaris), Enterobacter spp., Morganella morganii, Providencia rettgeri, Serratia spp., and Pseudomonas spp. are resistant to cefazolin.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

Nursing Mothers. Cefazolin for Injection is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers. Caution should be exercised when Cefazolin for Injection is administered to nursing woman.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL. NDC 0143-9261-01 Rx ONLY CEFAZOLIN FOR INJECTION, USP PHARMACY BULK PACKAGENOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION FOR INTRAVENOUS USE ONLY 10 grams perPharmacy Bulk PackageNOT TO BE DISPENSED AS UNITPROTECT FROM LIGHTTHIS PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE IS INTENDED FOR PREPARING MANYSINGLE DOSES IN PHARMACY ADMIXTURE PROGRAM. FURTHER DILUTIONIS REQUIRED. SEE INSERT FOR PROPER USE.Each Pharmacy Bulk Package contains cefazolin sodium equivalent to 10 gramsof cefazolin. The sodium content is 48 mg (2.1 mEq) per gram of cefazolin.Before reconstitution protect from light and store at 20o to 25oC (68o to 77oF)[See USP Controlled Room Temperature].USUAL ADULT DOSAGE: 250 mg to gram every to hours. For moreinformation see package insert. Reconstitution: Under laminar flow hood, using aseptic technique, thecontainer closure may be penetrated only one time using suitable steriledispensing set. Transfer individual doses to appropriate intravenous infusionsolutions. Use of syringe with needle is not recommended.Add: Sterile Water for Injection, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection or SodiumChloride Injection according to the table below. SHAKE WELL.See package insert. USE PROMPTLY. DISCARD VIAL WITHIN HOURS AFTER INITIAL ENTRY. Approx. Concentration Amount of Diluent gram/5 mL 45 mL gram/10 mL 96 mL Prepared by/ Date/ Time:Diluent/ Concentration: 10 gram container NOVAPLUS.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness for use in premature infants and neonates have not been established. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for recommended dosage in pediatric patients older than month.

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS. General. Prolonged use of Cefazolin for Injection may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful clinical observation of the patient is essential.When Cefazolin for Injection is administered to patients with low urinary output because of impaired renal function, lower daily dosage is required (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). As with other -lactam antibiotics, seizures may occur if inappropriately high doses are administered to patients with impaired renal function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).Cefazolin for Injection, as with all cephalosporins, should be prescribed with caution in individuals with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.Cephalosporins may be associated with fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous vitamin administered as indicated. Prescribing Cefazolin for Injection in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.. Drug Interactions. Probenecid may decrease renal tubular secretion of cephalosporins when used concurrently, resulting in increased and more prolonged cephalosporin blood levels.. Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions. false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with Benedicts solution, Fehlings solution or with Clinitest(R) tablets, but not with enzyme-based tests such as Clinistix(R). Positive direct and indirect antiglobulin (Coombs) tests have occurred; these may also occur in neonates whose mothers received cephalosporins before delivery.. Information for Patients. Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Cefazolin for Injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Cefazolin for Injection is prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment, and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Cefazolin for Injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.. Carcinogenesis/Mutagenesis. Mutagenicity studies and long-term studies in animals to determine the carcinogenic potential of Cefazolin for Injection have not been performed.. Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice, and rabbits at doses up to 25 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Cefazolin for Injection. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.. Labor and Delivery. When cefazolin has been administered prior to caesarean section, drug levels in cord blood have been approximately one quarter to one third of maternal drug levels. The drug appears to have no adverse effect on the fetus.. Nursing Mothers. Cefazolin for Injection is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers. Caution should be exercised when Cefazolin for Injection is administered to nursing woman.. Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness for use in premature infants and neonates have not been established. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for recommended dosage in pediatric patients older than month.. Geriatric Use. Of the 920 subjects who received Cefazolin for Injection in clinical studies, 313 (34%) were 65 years and over, while 138 (15%) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function (see PRECAUTIONS, General and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

PREGNANCY SECTION.

Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice, and rabbits at doses up to 25 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Cefazolin for Injection. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

Rx ONLY PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefazolin for injection and other antibacterial drugs, cefazolin for injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

WARNINGS SECTION.

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 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 toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is 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.