Drug Notes

Cefazolin/dextrose premix (By injection)

Cefazolin Sodium (sef-A-zoe-lin SOE-dee-um), Dextrose (DEX-trose)

Treats serious infections caused by bacteria. Also prevents infection after surgery. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you are receiving IV medicine, check the bag to make sure there are no leaks. Also make sure the solution is clear.

If a dose is missed:

• You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may take the medicine out of the refrigerator one hour before you use it. Keep it in a clean, dry place. This will allow the medicine to safely warm to room temperature.
• If you see particles in the solution, you should not use it.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®), or blood thinners (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of colitis.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to other cephalosporins, or to penicillin.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, skin rash.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) that may contain blood.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Swelling, pain, or redness in your skin where the IV needle is placed.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or loss of appetite.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017