Finding Cefazolin Shouldn't Be This Hard

You have a prescription for Cefazolin — maybe for a post-surgical infection, or your doctor wants you on IV antibiotics for a serious skin infection. But when you try to fill it, you're told it's out of stock. Sound familiar?

Cefazolin, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic formerly sold under the brand names Ancef and Kefzol, has been subject to recurring shortages for years. But that doesn't mean you're out of options. Here's how to find Cefazolin in stock near you.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Availability

The single best tool for finding Cefazolin in stock is Medfinder. Medfinder tracks real-time medication availability across pharmacies, infusion centers, and suppliers. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search once and see who has Cefazolin on their shelves right now.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit medfinder.com
2. Search for "Cefazolin"
3. Enter your location
4. See a list of nearby pharmacies and suppliers with current stock

This saves you hours of phone calls and the frustration of driving to a pharmacy only to find out they're out of stock too.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When chain pharmacies are out of Cefazolin, independent pharmacies and specialty infusion pharmacies often still have supply. Here's why:

• Different supply chains: Independent pharmacies may use different wholesalers than the big chains, giving them access to inventory that CVS or Walgreens doesn't have.
• Specialty focus: Home infusion and specialty pharmacies deal with injectable medications every day. They often have stronger relationships with distributors of IV drugs and may stock Cefazolin regularly.
• Compounding pharmacies: In some cases, compounding pharmacies can prepare Cefazolin solutions if they have access to the bulk powder.

Don't overlook hospital outpatient pharmacies either. If you're being discharged with a Cefazolin prescription for home infusion, the hospital pharmacy may be able to supply your first doses or connect you with their outpatient infusion services.

Tip 3: Call During Off-Peak Hours

Pharmacies restock their shelves regularly, and new shipments often arrive in the morning. If you're having trouble finding Cefazolin:

• Call early in the week: Monday and Tuesday mornings are common restocking times.
• Call first thing in the morning: Pharmacy staff can check their inventory before the day gets busy.
• Ask about expected delivery dates: Even if a pharmacy is out of stock today, they may have a shipment arriving in the next day or two.

Being polite and patient with pharmacy staff goes a long way. They're dealing with the same shortage frustrations you are, and they genuinely want to help you get your medication.

What if You Still Can't Find Cefazolin?

If you've tried Medfinder, called multiple pharmacies, and still can't locate Cefazolin, here are your next steps:

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

There are several antibiotics that may work in place of Cefazolin, depending on your specific infection. Common alternatives include:

• Ceftriaxone (Rocephin): A third-generation cephalosporin with a longer half-life, allowing once-daily dosing instead of every 8 hours.
• Cephalexin (Keflex): An oral first-generation cephalosporin that can be used as step-down therapy once your infection is improving.
• Nafcillin: An anti-staphylococcal penicillin used for MSSA infections.
• Clindamycin: An option for patients with severe beta-lactam allergies.

For a detailed comparison, read our guide on alternatives to Cefazolin.

Ask Your Doctor to Contact the Hospital Pharmacy

Physicians often have more leverage than patients when it comes to locating medications in short supply. Your doctor's office or the hospital's infectious disease pharmacist may be able to source Cefazolin through institutional channels that aren't available to retail pharmacies.

Check if Your Insurance Covers Home Infusion

If Cefazolin is available through a home infusion pharmacy but not at your local retail pharmacy, check with your insurance company about coverage for home infusion services. Many plans cover home IV antibiotic therapy, which could open up additional supply options. For more on managing costs, see How to Save Money on Cefazolin.

Final Thoughts

Finding Cefazolin in 2026 takes a bit more effort than it should, but it's absolutely possible. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, expand your search to independent and specialty pharmacies, and don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed.

The most important thing is to not delay your treatment. If Cefazolin isn't available, work with your healthcare team to find a solution — whether that's a different pharmacy, a different antibiotic, or a different treatment setting.

For more background on why this medication is scarce, read Why Is Cefazolin So Hard to Find?